Karnataka Legislature passes resolution against VB-G RAM G, demands reinstatement of MGNREGA

Karnataka Assembly passes resolution against VB-G RAM G, opposing MGNREGA repeal, as BJP and JD(S) walk out in protest.

A resolution tabled by the Karnataka government in the legislature, opposing the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, and replacing it with the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, was passed on Wednesday, even as the BJP and the JD(S) members staged a walkout in both the Assembly and the Council.

The resolution will be sent to the President and the Government of India, sources said. The legislature session was then adjourned sine die. 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tabled the resolution on Tuesday, with two days dedicated for its debate. However, the BJP and the JD(S) members launched an overnight dharna demanding the resignation of the Excise Minister over corruption allegations on Tuesday and continued it during the legislature session on Wednesday.

Amid non-stop sloganeering, the Speaker allowed a debate on the resolution. Before it was put to vote, Leader of Opposition R. Ashok opposed the resolution and the Opposition members staged a walkout.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that despite having ample opportunities to discuss the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, and defend it, the Opposition had failed to do so, even as the Chief Minister sought a vote on the resolution. It was passed with a voice vote. 

Earlier in the day, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge responded to the debate and argued that the new law was “anti-federal” for increasing the expenditure of the State governments without consultation, which he termed “economic terrorism”. He pointed out that even NDA allies like Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had expressed concern over increasing the State’s share from 10% to 40%.