Chennai: Allies of the ruling DMK staged a protest in Chennai on Wednesday against the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act.
VCK president Thirumavalavan stated that Gandhi stood for secularism and Hindu-Muslim unity, and criticised the replacement of MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G and demanded the repeal of the Act.
Calling the move dangerous ahead of elections, he urged people to remain vigilant and said that Periyar belongs to all sections of society, not to any single party.
MDMK general secretary Vaiko said that the Babri Masjid was demolished in the name of Lord Ram and alleged that the BJP was now attempting to enter Tamil Nadu by changing the name of the NREGA scheme. "We will not allow it," he said.
Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani said that changing the NREGA scheme was a historic error. He pointed out that even foreign researchers have raised concerns over the BJP government's move to dismantle the 100-day employment scheme. Describing the Act as a "black law", he said the Centre was shifting the financial burden onto the States.
CPI state secretary Veerapandian said that Mahatma Gandhi's name must continue to be associated with the scheme and asserted that the BJP would be taught a befitting lesson in the upcoming elections.
CPM senior leader K Balakrishnan said the NREGA scheme was introduced by the Congress-led UPA government with outside support from the Left parties.
He alleged that after the BJP came to power at the Centre, allocations for the scheme were reduced year after year.
Tamil Nadu Congress Committee former president KV Thangabalu said when the MGNREGS was introduced, work was provided throughout the year, and it was fully funded by the Union government. He said that 40 per cent of the funding burden has been shifted to the States.
No State government would be able to run the scheme under such conditions, he said.
DMK-led Secular Front leaders, including national president of the Indian Union Muslim League KM Kader Mohideen, and president of MMK MH Jawahirullah, also spoke at the demonstration.
DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi proposed the vote of thanks. MPs Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Kanimozhi Somu, and MLA Thayagam Kavi were also present at the protest.