‘Ending corruption isn’t anti-federal’: H D Kumaraswamy defends new rural jobs law

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy rejects claims that the Centre is diluting MGNREGA, accuses Congress of corruption, and defends the VB-G RAM Act as a reform that strengthens federalism and decentralisation.

The Centre is being accused of replacing MGNREGA, a demand-driven scheme, with a supply-oriented programme, taking away the right to work.  

This is baseless. Congress doesn’t believe in dynamism. It’s creating a false narrative. In Parliament, the union government answered all queries and clarified doubts. Some people haven’t understood the VB-G RAM (G) Act properly. People tend to misinterpret things they don’t understand. Neither has employment guarantee been weakened nor have decentralisation and demand-based rights been harmed. Powers of the state and the panchayats haven’t been taken away.

What about the charge about undermining federalism by not consulting states?

The agriculture minister has said that the Act was framed after consultation with states. In Parliament, members participated in an extensive discussion. There’s not an iota of truth in Congress’ allegations. The claim that federalism is being weakened is just a part of the false story. In reality, it’s Congress that’s insulting federalism.  

The Congress government wants to challenge the Act in court. How do you see that?

Congress has started this drama to divert people’s attention away from maladministration and corruption in the state. It’s unfortunate that people have to tolerate this drama. Let them discuss, during the special legislature session, how much was looted under MGNREGA. Proceeds of the loot went to Congress leaders’ homes. Fake job cards were created, false records showed the same works again and again to claim money that belonged to poor labourers. The scheme was turned into a scam. Do Congress leaders really have the moral right to move the court?  

Will the new Act impact Centre-state relations?

The VB-G RAM (G) Act has been introduced to correct past lapses and usher in reforms. Congress’ logic cannot be accepted. Instead of appreciating good work, they’re saying it affects Centre-state relations, which is ridiculous. Congress must first learn to come out of its negative attitude. Do you think that bringing reforms and ending corruption will affect Centre-state relations?

How will JD(S)-BJP fight Cong on this? 

We’re making people understand our point of view. They are wise and aware that MGNREGA benefitted Congress leaders. Sample this: Earlier, when Siddaramaiah was the CM, the police resorted to lathi charge on MGNREGA labourers who weren’t paid wages in Koppal. Some labourers who were being ferried in a tractor, after being promised wages, died in an accident. Compensation was announced, only to find that many of them didn’t even have a job card! Ineligible people, those aged 65-80 years, were found having job cards. Similar loot happened in Kanakapura (deputy CM D K Shivakumar’s seat) and the constituency (Chittapur) represented by the current panchayat raj minister (Priyank Kharge) among other places.