Senior Congress leaders sharply criticized the BJP-led government for weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). They said this is a deliberate move to erase the legacy of national leaders from public policy. At a press conference, Minister Ponnam Prabhakar greeted the public on Congress Foundation Day and recalled the party’s key role in India’s freedom and growth. He said leaders like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi helped shape India’s global image. Prabhakar noted that MGNREGS was introduced in 2004 under Sonia Gandhi’s leadership to strengthen rural economy and provide guaranteed jobs to assure food security. But he alleged the Centre broke its 2014 promise to extend the scheme to urban areas. Instead, it imposed a 60:40 funding ratio on states, shifting money burdens unfairly. Prabhakar also accused the government of removing Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme and trying to erase leaders’ contributions. He urged people to protest in villages with Gandhi’s portraits and pass opposing resolutions in Gram Sabhas. Minister Vivek Venkat Swamy said Congress has always supported people-focused programs. He accused the Centre of withholding funds from Telangana and refusing to ease financial rules (FRBM limits). Minister Azharuddin claimed BJP feels uneasy with Gandhi’s legacy despite his global fame. Swamy also said the opposition party BRS has lost touch with the people even though it is active on social media. He demanded BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao answer questions raised by MLC K. Kavitha.