Chennai: TNCC functionaries led by state unit president K Selvaperunthagai were detained on Saturday when they tried to gherao Lok Bhavan, condemning BJP govt at the centre for removing the name of freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi from the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme title. The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee had already commenced rallies across the state against ‘VBGRAMG’, the new name for the scheme.The TNCC functionaries assembled in Little Mount in Saidapet in Chennai, close to Lok Bhavan, and protested by raising slogans against BJP govt for replacing MGNREGA with VBGRAMG. When they tried to proceed and gherao Lok Bhavan, police stopped and detained them.
Speaking to reporters, Selvaperunthagai said the protest against VBGRAMG will not die down until the legislation is withdrawn. “We will continue our protest like the protests against three black farm laws. Like the farm laws were repealed after 13 months, our protest will go on until the VBGRAMG is withdrawn,” Selvaperunthagai said. The TNCC chief said BJP govt does not want a scheme in the name of Mahatma Gandhi in the country. “RSS did not contribute anything to the freedom struggle. RSS is an organisation without any records. Now, BJP is functioning as the political wing of RSS and is implementing its ideas,” Selvaperunthagai said. Asked about Rs 5,000 credited as part of Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) scheme, Selvaperunthagai defended the state govt, saying BJP had planned to approach Supreme Court against Rs 1,000 per month for women head of family scheme during the election, and Stalin thwarted their attempt.
