Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao launched a scathing attack on the RSS and BJP, accusing them of harboring long-standing hostility toward Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He claimed that the right-wing organizations only use Gandhi’s name superficially to avoid public backlash, while internally subscribing to the ideology of Nathuram Godse.
"They have had enmity toward Mahatma Gandhi since the beginning," the Minister stated. "They use his name today only because they fear a bad reputation if they don't. Their true ideology has always been that of Godse."
Attack on MNREGA and Central Schemes
Minister Gundu Rao expressed grave concern over the central government's alleged attempts to weaken the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). He highlighted how the scheme has been a lifeline for the labor class, helping increase wages across the country.
- Critique of PM Modi: He recalled that PM Narendra Modi criticized MNREGA in his first speech in Parliament, signaling a lack of affection for the scheme and its namesake.
- Funding Disparity: The Minister slammed the funding patterns of central schemes. He noted that for many projects, the state bears 40% of the cost while the center pays 60%. Specifically, regarding Ayushman Bharat, he claimed the Center provides only 25% of the funds, making implementation difficult for states.
- Dictatorial Stance: Rao called for a united "fight" against what he described as a "dictatorial attitude" prevailing in the country.
Crackdown on Government Doctors’ Private Practice
Beyond politics, the Health Minister addressed a critical administrative issue: government doctors running private clinics. He confirmed that the state is considering a legal amendment to regulate this practice.
"We are thinking of bringing an amendment to prevent government doctors from neglecting their duties for private practice," Rao said. While acknowledging that doctors are currently allowed to practice after their official duty hours, he emphasized that a sensitive balance needs to be struck. He noted that the department is currently in the consultation phase to decide the nature of the amendment.
