Shivakumar meets Rajanna, eyes leadership cohesion

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s weekend meetings with senior Congress leader KN Rajanna have sparked speculation about party leadership dynamics, even as the state government grapples with the Centre’s controversial replacement of the MGNREGA scheme.

Shivakumar met Rajanna twice over the weekend, including a session lasting over an hour on Sunday, to discuss party affairs. Both leaders, however, declined to provide details.
Rajanna, a staunch supporter of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reiterated that Siddaramaiah should complete his full term, signalling stability at the helm.
Sources say Shivakumar, who also serves as KPCC president, may have sought Rajanna’s counsel on strategic matters within the party, underscoring efforts to maintain internal cohesion ahead of future political developments.

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On the governance front, the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, replacing the 20-year-old MGNREGA scheme, has sparked debate in Karnataka.
Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge criticised the move, saying it reduces a Constitutional, rights-based guarantee of employment into a centrally sponsored scheme and increases the financial burden on states, potentially weakening Panchayati Raj institutions.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar described the replacement as a “shock to the panchayat raj system.”

While BJP MLC CT Ravi welcomed the new act, citing increased guaranteed employment days from 100 to 125, Congress leaders, including AICC general secretary Sachin Pilot, warned that the replacement of MNREGA with VB-G RAM G undermines the livelihoods of rural workers.
Pilot emphasised that the party’s upcoming Congress Working Committee meeting on Dec 27 would strategise further action on the issue.

The developments highlight Congress’ focus on both maintaining internal leadership cohesion and addressing major policy shifts affecting rural India.