A file photo of the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
| Photo Credit: ALLEN EGENUSE J.
The Congress is set to face a challenge from the BJP and the JD(S) combine during the special session of the legislature convened to discuss the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission–Gramin (VB-G RAM-G) Act, which has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) introduced during the UPA regime.
The BJP has alleged massive financial irregularities in the implementation of the MGNREGA, claiming losses of nearly ₹7 lakh crore owing to fake job cards, ghost workers, inflated muster rolls, and misuse of funds. In response, the Congress has argued that the new Act curtails the right to work for rural labourers, women, and the poor, weakens livelihood security, removes Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, and reduces the Centre’s financial contribution by around ₹3,000 crore annually.
The BJP is expected to use the platform to counter what it calls the Congress’s “misinformation campaign” by asserting that the VB-G RAM-G Act is a reform intended to strengthen rural employment and livelihoods. Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has maintained that the Centre has only “revamped” MGNREGA to improve infrastructure and enhance rural livelihoods.
The BJP has accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of convening the special session to protect his position while spreading “false propaganda” against the Central government programmes. The Opposition has indicated that it will also use the ongoing leadership tussle to target the government over alleged administrative failures and law-and-order issues.
Other Issues
Apart from the job scheme, several contentious issues are expected to dominate the proceedings. The eviction of residents in Bengaluru’s Kogilu layout and the government’s decision to rehabilitate families whose houses were demolished for illegal construction are likely to trigger heated debate. The BJP has alleged that the move was made under pressure from the Kerala government and AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal as part of “minority appeasement.”
Clashes between supporters of Congress MLA Nara Bharath Reddy and Gangavati BJP MLA G. Janardhana Reddy in Ballari over a banner installation issue — in which a Congress worker was killed — are also expected to be raised. The BJP has demanded the arrest of Mr. Bharath Reddy and a CBI probe into the incident.
The Opposition is also likely to raise allegations of a multi-crore bribery scam in the Excise Department. Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R. Ashok has demanded the removal of Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur following the Lokayukta police’s arrest of three officials allegedly caught “red-handed.”
Law and order
Drug-related activities and cybercrimes are expected to be flagged to criticise the government’s handling of law and order. The Maharashtra Police’s recent drug-related arrests in Bengaluru may be cited to target Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who is believed to be aspiring for the Chief Minister’s post if the party leadership decides to replace Mr. Siddaramaiah.
The BJP is also likely to raise the suspension of IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao and videos allegedly showing him in compromising situations women.
To highlight what it calls administrative collapse, the Opposition may also refer to an incident involving alleged misconduct with a Municipal Commissioner in Sidlaghatta, reportedly involving Congress leader Rajeev Gowda. Mr. Gowda has been suspended from the party.
In response, the Congress is expected to counter the Opposition by pointing to delays in Central government clearances for several key development and irrigation projects in Karnataka.
Published – January 21, 2026 09:32 pm IST
