Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Central government's recent amendments to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, declaring them unacceptable and warning of imminent legal action. He argued that the changes, which shift decision-making authority to Delhi and impose a higher financial burden on states, undermine the scheme's core principles and feasibility.

Shivakumar highlighted the erosion of local governance, stating that panchayats previously held powers to initiate water-related works, but the new rules centralize control. He criticized the requirement for states to bear 40 percent of expenditure as financially unviable, asserting that no state could sustain such costs. Emphasizing the lack of consultation, he accused the Centre of unilaterally imposing the reforms without engaging states, vowing that Karnataka would challenge them in court and through public protests.

The Deputy Chief Minister announced plans for statewide mobilization, with Congress organizing meetings at district, division, and state levels to build opposition. Describing MGNREGA as a fundamental right to work and livelihood guaranteed by the Congress party, he predicted nationwide rejection and pledged to pass resolutions condemning the changes.

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On a separate note, Shivakumar defended the National Herald newspaper amid reports of substantial advertisement spending by the Karnataka government. He portrayed it as a historic party-owned publication instrumental in India's freedom struggle, founded under Pandit Nehru, and dismissed criticisms questioning Congress's democratic credentials.

Addressing political developments, Shivakumar predicted a potential full merger between JD(S) and BJP, viewing it as advantageous for Congress in direct electoral confrontations. Speaking at an event welcoming former JD(S) leader Govindaraj into Congress, he noted growing interest in party tickets for upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority elections, with hundreds of applications already issued.

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