The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday accused the Congress of being “anti-Hindu” after senior leader Rahul Gandhi said he was unfamiliar with the name of the newly introduced G-RAM-G employment guarantee scheme, which has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Speaking at a conference held at Delhi’s Jawahar Bhavan, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “I don’t know what G-RAM-G is,” while addressing an event focused on MNREGA, the flagship rural employment programme launched during the Congress-led government. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge made similar comments at the event.

BJP response and political backlash

The BJP reacted sharply, alleging that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks reflected hostility towards Lord Ram. Party leaders claimed the comments had “exposed the Congress’ anti-Hindu mindset,” a charge that intensified the political confrontation over the new legislation.

Several opposition leaders have argued that one of the core concerns with the G-RAM-G scheme is the replacement of Mahatma Gandhi’s name with that of a religious figure, a move they say politicises a welfare programme that was previously secular in identity.

Congress alleges attempt to weaken employment guarantee

At the conference, Rahul Gandhi said MNREGA had given poor households a legal right to employment, which he claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi was attempting to dismantle. He also referred to the now-repealed farm laws of 2020, saying sustained public pressure had earlier forced the government to withdraw them.

“If we stand together, the government will be forced to back down and MNREGA will be restarted,” Gandhi said, asserting that the employment guarantee programme could be revived through collective resistance.

Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of trying to erase Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy from public memory and said the Congress would raise the issue again during the upcoming Budget session of Parliament.

States move to support MNREGA

As the political debate continues, at least two opposition-ruled states have taken steps to support MNREGA. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have both indicated plans to pass Assembly resolutions backing the older scheme.

In Karnataka, proceedings were disrupted after Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot declined to read out portions of a government-prepared speech that criticised the G-RAM-G framework. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister MK Stalin said his government would also move a resolution in support of MNREGA.

What the G-RAM-G scheme changes

The new G-RAM-G law introduces several structural changes compared to MNREGA. The guaranteed number of workdays has been increased to 125 from 100, but employment is limited to areas officially notified as rural by the central government.

Under the revised funding structure, states are now required to bear 40 per cent of the scheme’s costs, while the Centre will contribute the remaining amount. Hill states and northeastern states will pay only 10 per cent, and Union Territories will continue to receive full central funding.

The Centre will also adopt a “normative” allocation model, deciding annual fund limits for states based on defined parameters, rather than demand. This gives the Centre greater control over fund releases and the authority to suspend allocations in cases of serious irregularities.

While the government has said the changes will encourage states to take financial ownership without imposing excessive burdens, the opposition has described the scheme as “anti-poor,” warning that it could reduce employment opportunities by straining state finances.

The Congress has sought action against Udupi deputy commissioner T K Swaroopa over allegations that she waved a saffron flag during the Paryaya procession held on January 18, triggering a political controversy in coastal Karnataka.

The issue surfaced after the Legal and Human Rights Cell of the Udupi District Congress Committee wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, demanding an inquiry into Swaroopa’s conduct during the religious procession linked to the Udupi Sri Krishna Math.

DC denies political motivation

Responding to the allegations, Swaroopa said she attended the event strictly in her official capacity and denied any politically motivated participation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, she said that at around 3 am on January 18, she flagged off the Puraprevesh programme of the Swamiji as part of the biennial Paryayotsava celebrations. She added that she did so in her role as the administrator of the Udupi City Council.

Swaroopa also said she attended the civic honour programme for the new paryaya swamiji and the durbar event held after the swamiji ascended the Sarvajna Peetha, reiterating that her presence was aligned with administrative responsibilities.

Congress seeks inquiry, alleges rule violation

In the letter addressed to the chief minister on Monday, Udupi District Congress Committee Legal and Human Rights Cell president Harish Shetty alleged that ahead of the procession from Jodu Katte to Krishna Math, a BJP MLA handed over a saffron flag to the deputy commissioner, which she allegedly raised and waved in public.

The letter claimed that such an act violated service rules governing civil servants and went against the constitutional principle of secularism. The Congress has demanded a formal inquiry and appropriate action in accordance with law.

About the Paryaya system

The Paryaya or Paryayotsava marks the ceremonial transfer of ritual and administrative control of the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple. On January 18, Shiroor Matha assumed charge for the 2026–28 term, with Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji taking over as the pontiff-administrator.

Under the centuries-old Paryaya system, the temple is managed on a rotational basis by the Ashta Mathas—Pejavara, Puttige, Adamaru, Krishnapura, Shiroor, Sodhe, Kaniyoor and Palimaru—each for a period of two years. The system was instituted by 13th-century philosopher-saint Sri Madhwacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school of philosophy.

The Congress has categorically ruled out any alliance with the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections, making it clear that the party will contest independently.

Addressing reporters in Guwahati on Tuesday, Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi said there is no understanding or agreement with the AIUDF, either at present or in the future. He added that the Congress is focused on strengthening its organisation at the grassroots level and reaching out directly to voters.

Congress targets BJP government over corruption allegations

Gogoi also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of corruption during the execution of major infrastructure projects in the state. He alleged that projects such as elevated corridors and flyovers were being showcased as symbols of development while corruption remained deeply entrenched in their implementation.

According to Gogoi, the Congress will continue to raise questions over what it termed as misgovernance by the BJP-led government. He said people in Assam are increasingly aware of these issues and are seeking transparency, accountability, and development that benefits ordinary citizens.

Bhupesh Baghel joins attack on Assam Chief Minister

Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel also targeted the Assam government during a press conference in Dispur. He alleged that corruption had reached alarming levels under the present administration and claimed the state was being pushed towards “ruins”.

Baghel recalled the 2021 Assam Assembly elections, when he served as an observer, and referred to discussions about a political “syndicate” operating in the state. He claimed that corruption had expanded so much over the years that earlier allegations now appeared insignificant in comparison.

Allegations over assets and land acquisitions

Raising questions over asset declarations, Baghel alleged that Himanta Biswa Sarma’s wealth had increased sharply over the years. He cited figures from declared assets, stating that Sarma’s wealth rose from around Rs 1 crore in 2006 to Rs 17 crore in 2021.

He further alleged that land acquisitions, subsidies, and policy changes were carried out to benefit select individuals and business interests, including families of ministers. Baghel also referred to land-related issues in tea garden areas and changes in rules concerning elephant corridors, claiming these were altered to serve private interests.

According to him, large tracts of land were acquired over the past five years across districts such as Majuli, Kamrup, Guwahati, Nagaon, Golaghat, and Karbi Anglong, adding that the total value of such properties could not be easily assessed.