Karnataka Assembly passes resolution against VB-G RAM G, demands reinstating MGNREGA
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the Centre to immediately repeal VB-G RAM G and reinstate MGNREGA amid walkout by the opposition BJP and its ally JD(S).
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, which was accepted by the House today.
The resolution said the VB-G RAM G Act, "unilaterally" enacted by the Centre, is "detrimental to the basic ideals of federalism and the right to livelihood of the rural people."
Opposition Leader R Ashoka said the BJP opposes the resolution moved by the ruling Congress and supports the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajivika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G).
He also reiterated his party's demand that Excise Minister R B Timmapur should resign as there was a large scale corruption to the tune of Rs 6,000 crore in the Excise Department.
As he walked out, Ashoka tore the resolution copy and threw it in the Assembly.
The BJP leader on Tuesday alleged that the scam money was used for funding Congress in the poll-bound states. The BJP staged an overnight agitation inside the Karnataka Assembly, which continued throughout Wednesday.
The party raised slogans in the Assembly disrupting the proceedings demanding Timmapur’s resignation.
The ruling Congress rejected the opposition's demand, saying that there was no evidence against Timmapur.
After passing the resolution on VB-G RAM G, Speaker U T Khader adjourned the House sine die.
Earlier speaking on the resolution, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge said the MGNREGA was a game changer as it created jobs and helped create assets in the villages.
While MGNREGA is demand-based, the VB-G RAM G is a supply-based and it does not guarantee jobs as the previous employment scheme offered, the minister noted.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar too backed the resolution, saying that many development works were taken up in his constituency Kanakapura due to the MGNREGA.
Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, who has been expelled from the BJP for anti-party activities, supported the VB-G RAM G saying that the law was much needed.
The resolution read by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, "The VB-GRAM-G Act is against the federal principle, is a severe burden on the state exchequer and is against the principle of decentralisation, and has taken away the powers and rights of the Gram Panchayats; and to reinstate the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in its original form, which has led to rural asset creation and self-reliance of the poor."
"This House takes serious view of the repeal of the MGNREGA, which was a Sanjeevini (something that gives life) for the rural poor and an integral part of rural life… This House strongly opposes this move of the Centre (of bringing in the VB-G RAM G act repealing MGNREGA)," it added.
The Karnataka Cabinet had earlier decided not to accept the VB-G RAM G Act, replacing the MGNREGA, and to take up a legal battle against it.
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We have allowed some ships: Iranian envoy Fathali on passage of vessels via Strait of Hormuz
New Delhi (PTI): Amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, Iranian ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Saturday said Iran has "allowed some ships" to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic trade route.
He, however, did not specify the number of vessels that have been allowed to pass through.
During an interactive session held at the India Today Conclave 2026, Fathali was asked if Iran has "allowed passage to Indian ships" stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and for how many days, given the looming LPG shortage, and the series of telephonic conversations between the foreign ministers of the two countries.
"Yes, we have allowed, but let me not tell how many," he said.
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During the session, Fathali made the remarks largely in Persian, which was interpreted in English by Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy in India.
As several India-flagged vessels remain stranded in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Fathali on Friday had told reporters that "we will try our best" to resolve the issue.
Earlier in the day, a senior official in the shipping ministry said two Indian ships -- Shivalik and Nanda Devi -- carrying LPG from the Gulf countries crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday morning, raising the number of Indian vessels safely passing through the war-hit, narrow shipping lane to three.
The remaining 22 ships on the west side of the strait are on standby as the Indian government engages with governments in the region to ensure their safe passage.
India imports 60 per cent of its LPG needs, with 85-90 per cent of this being sourced from Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which use the Strait of Hormuz as a transit for shipping oil and gas. The strait has been effectively closed since the first week of March.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic narrow sea lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
During the interactive session, Fathali also emphasised that Iran and India have historical relations, and added, "I believe Iran and India also have common interests."
"I also believe if there is any rift or gap between these two countries, their enemies will use it... Both sides have the maturity that they can handle these political and social issues together and solve everything," he said.
He was also asked about the phone call on Thursday night between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which they discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
"We are now supporting each other," Fathali said, and asserted that Indians also feel the pain Iranians are suffering. "We have to enhance the relationship between India and Iran.
The Iranian envoy, when asked if the country anticipated such an attack, said, "Iran is ready for negotiations and the war. But we prefer negotiations... We had entered into negotiations. But, despite well intentions..."
Fathali said Iran is "ready for this war", and reiterated that "you can start, but you cannot finish".
The West Asia conflict began after the US and Israel launched a major military attack on Iran on February 28, killing 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran, in retaliation, attacked several Gulf nations hosting American military bases, impacting global aviation operations, oil prices and triggering a looming energy crisis.
On the killing of Khamenei, the envoy said, "We have lost our great figure, our great leader, and I want to say that... great father."
"His Eminence stood on the right side of history... Iranian people and all free nations are deeply saddened over this martyrdom," he added.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Embassy in India, in a post on X, on Saturday said, "Following repeated requests from charitable and benevolent members among our Indian brothers and sisters to provide humanitarian assistance to Iranian compatriots affected by the ongoing war, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi hereby announces the following bank account number for the deposit of intended cash donations."
"Bank Account Name: Embassy of Iran Bank Account Number: 11084232535 IFS Code: SBIN0000691 If you wish, you may also send the screenshot or payment receipt via WhatsApp to: +91 98998 12318," it said.
