In a strongly worded resolution, the MDMK, a key constituent of the ruling DMK-led alliance, has lashed out at the BJP-led Central Government for renaming the MGNREGS scheme and removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from it, calling it a move driven by ideological hostility and disregard for the Father of the Nation.Chairing a high-level party meeting, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko accused the Centre of systematically weakening the rural employment guarantee programme by slashing funds and reducing workdays from 100 to 40 per year, affecting lakhs of rural poor dependent on the scheme.
The party also condemned what it termed increasing incidents of attacks on minorities across several BJP-ruled states, especially incidents reported during the Christmas period. Calling RSS-BJP forces “fascist and communal”, the resolution appealed to democratic and progressive groups to unite against divisive politics.
The meeting also expressed support for the DMK-led alliance ahead of the 2026 elections and reiterated commitment to defeating communal forces in Tamil Nadu politics.
The party urged the Centre to restore the original structure of MGNREGS, ensure adequate employment days, and withdraw what it called “burdensome restructuring”.