The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has strongly condemned the central government’s proposal to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). RJD spokesperson Kailash Yadav issued a statement on Tuesday, accusing the Modi government of consistently disrespecting national icons since coming to power in 2014. Yadav highlighted that MNREGA, originally conceived under the UPA government led by former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, was a landmark employment guarantee scheme that received global acclaim. He emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi is a symbol of India and an ideal for all citizens, and the 2005 law named after him aimed to foster Gandhi’s vision of ‘Swaraj India’. The RJD alleges that the current administration seeks to dismantle secular ideologies and public welfare initiatives. The party vehemently opposes the proposed ‘Ram Rojgar Yojana’, viewing the renaming of MNREGA as a regressive and anti-national decision. Yadav further criticized the BJP, drawing parallels between their alleged veneration of figures like Asaram Bapu and their actions concerning MNREGA, labeling the party as ‘Bharat Jalao Party’ (India Burning Party) and vowing widespread protests against what they deem ‘fanatical’ decisions.
