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“I am ready anytime — whether it is a public debate, a television discussion or a debate in the Assembly. Let him say when,” DK Shivakumar said
HD Kumaraswamy and DK Shivakumar. (File)
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy called Karnataka deputy Chief Minister (CM) DK Shivakumar for an open debate on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Centre’s proposed VB G-RAM-G scheme, accusing the Karnataka Congress of misleading the public on the issue.
Kumaraswamy said Congress leaders should come forward for a public discussion with documents to clarify what he described as a false narrative around the new scheme.
Shivakumar accepted the invitation, saying he was ready for a debate at any time. Shivakumar said he was available over the next three days. “I am ready anytime — whether it is a public debate, a television discussion or a debate in the Assembly. Let him say when,” Shivakumar said.
He added that he would respond only to Kumaraswamy, the JD(S) president, and not to any other level party workers. “I have accepted his invitation,” he said.
Shivakumar reiterated that the changes proposed under the VB G-RAM-G model would weaken the existing guarantee scheme. “Earlier, panchayats had the power to take up works, including water-related projects. Now they are saying everything will be decided from Delhi. No state can afford to bear 40 per cent of the cost,” he said.
Responding to the criticism, Kumaraswamy rejected the claim that the new framework would undermine panchayats and accused the Congress government of avoiding a direct discussion. He pointed out that local body elections had not been conducted and said the government was in no position to speak about empowering panchayats.
Referring to his tenure as Chief Minister, Kumaraswamy said delays in MGNREGA fund releases were not new. He recalled that when ₹800 crore in MGNREGA funds were delayed during his term, wages were paid by advancing money from the State treasury. He also said the current Revenue Minister had served as Rural Development Minister in his Cabinet.
Shivakumar said the Centre had moved ahead with the new scheme without consulting states. “If such decisions are taken without taking states into confidence, we cannot agree to it. We will go to court and also take the issue to the streets,” he said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the Congress was ready for a discussion on MGNREGA and warned that the party would launch a major agitation if required.
January 11, 2026, 17:34 IST
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