The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has launched a scathing attack on the central government over its decision to potentially rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). RJD spokesperson Kailash Yadav declared that the Modi government has repeatedly shown disrespect to national heroes since 2014. He championed MNREGA as a highly successful employment scheme initiated by the UPA government, led by Dr. Manmohan Singh, which garnered international accolades for its impact on rural employment. Yadav pointed out that the 2005 Act carries the name of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, and aimed to fulfill his vision of empowering villages. The RJD contends that the government’s agenda involves dismantling secular principles and pro-people policies. The party’s strong opposition extends to the proposed ‘Ram Rojgar Yojana’, deeming the move to rename MNREGA a ‘nation-damaging’ decision passed in the Lok Sabha. Yadav asserted that this renaming disrespects both Gandhi and Lord Ram, and anticipates a nationwide outcry. He also criticized the ruling party for its alleged endorsement of controversial figures and divisive politics.
