VB-G RAM G Act will not be withdrawn, says Dharmendra Pradhan, hits out at Karnataka government

Bengaluru: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has categorically stated that the Centre will not withdraw the VB-G RAM G Act, dismissing the Karnataka government’s opposition to the legislation as politically motivated.

Reacting to the state government’s criticism in Bengaluru, Pradhan said the law has been implemented in the larger interest of the people and will continue despite protests from the Congress-led state administration.

Accusing the state government of opposing the Act purely for political gains, Pradhan said the Narendra Modi-led government has not only implemented the scheme but has also expanded its scope to ensure wider public benefit.

“This legislation is aimed at improving delivery mechanisms and strengthening welfare outreach. It is unfortunate that the state government is opposing it for narrow political reasons,” he said.

Taking a swipe at the Congress, the Union Minister alleged hypocrisy in its criticism of the Centre. He pointed out that when the Congress introduced the MGNREGA scheme, it did not initially name it after Mahatma Gandhi. “Now they are shedding crocodile tears over naming and legacy. This clearly exposes their double standards,” Pradhan remarked.

Responding to the Karnataka government’s decision to protest against the Act, Pradhan said the Congress is free to carry out agitations as it deems fit. However, he made it clear that such protests would not influence the Centre’s resolve.

“The Union government has brought this law for the development and welfare of the poor. There is no question of withdrawing it,” he asserted.

Pradhan also emphasised that the Centre remains committed to cooperative federalism but will not compromise on reforms aimed at public welfare. He said the Act was designed after extensive consultations and is intended to streamline governance and ensure benefits reach the intended beneficiaries more efficiently.

The Centre’s firm stance comes amid escalating tensions between the Karnataka government and the Union government over the VB-G RAM G Act, with the state alleging that the legislation undermines federal principles and encroaches upon state powers.

The Union government, however, has repeatedly rejected these claims, maintaining that the Act complements existing welfare mechanisms rather than overriding state authority.

Political observers see the issue as another flashpoint in the ongoing Centre–state confrontation, with both sides hardening their positions. While the Karnataka government is expected to intensify its opposition, the Centre’s latest statement signals that there will be no rollback of the law.

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