Mangaluru: Former MP and former BJP State president Nalin Kumar Kateel on Monday launched a sharp political attack on the Congress, alleging that the party had “killed Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology more than Nathuram Godse ever did.” He made the remarks while addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Mangaluru, where he spoke on issues ranging from the Union Budget and Centre–State fund allocation to the renaming of the Vibrant Village Programme and the role of Governors in clearing State legislation.
Kateel’s comments came in response to criticism from opposition leaders over the Centre’s decision to rename the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) as Vibrant Village–Ram (VVG-Ram) and broader ideological debates around Gandhian philosophy and governance.
Justifies renaming of Vibrant Village scheme
Mangaluru Kateel defended the renaming of the Vibrant Village scheme and rejected opposition criticism that associating the programme with “Ram” was politically motivated. He argued that the change was consistent with Mahatma Gandhi’s own beliefs and public expressions.
He said Gandhi invoked the name of Ram throughout his life and even in his final moments. Referring to Gandhian ideals, Kateel stated that the Father of the Nation had envisioned Ram Rajya and Gram Swaraj as guiding principles for India’s development.
“Ram was Gandhi’s breath, life and soul. Naming a rural development scheme after Ram is fully justified in that context,” Kateel said.
He accused the Congress of opposing the renaming purely for political reasons and not on principle. He questioned whether the opposition preferred that welfare funds be misused rather than restructured with tighter safeguards.
Misuse of funds under earlier schemes alleged
Mangaluru Addressing fund utilisation under earlier rural employment and development schemes, Kateel alleged that large-scale misappropriation had taken place during the implementation of MGNREGA in some States.
He claimed that nearly ₹27,000 crore had been misappropriated in States such as Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Telangana during earlier phases of programme execution. According to him, reforms and restructuring of schemes were aimed at plugging loopholes and ensuring that benefits reach intended beneficiaries.
“The changes are meant to prevent misuse of public money. Opposing every reform just for the sake of opposition is not in public interest,” he said.
Ideological attack invoking Gandhi and Gram Swaraj
Mangaluru Expanding his criticism, Kateel alleged that the Congress had deviated from Gandhian values by adopting what he described as a British-style governance model and encouraging caste-based politics.
He said Gandhi promoted Ram Rajya, Gram Swaraj and a de-addicted, socially unified India during the freedom movement. In contrast, he alleged, Congress governments moved away from decentralised village-based development and instead encouraged divisive political strategies.
“By indulging in caste politics and power-centric governance, Congress has continuously murdered Gandhian thought,” he said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken concrete steps toward implementing Gram Swaraj through rural infrastructure and welfare programmes.
Governor not bound to clear every Bill
Mangaluru Commenting on the ongoing controversy over the Governor’s objections to a proposed Hate Speech Bill passed by the State government, Kateel said a Governor is not constitutionally bound to approve every Bill forwarded by a State legislature.
He cautioned that such laws could be misused in the future to target political opponents and dissenting voices.
“This kind of legislation can become dangerous if misapplied. It may not only affect politicians but could also create serious problems for journalists,” he said, calling for careful legal scrutiny before such Bills are enacted.
Remarks on CJI Gogoi case and tax raids
Mangaluru Responding to allegations linking the Centre to matters related to the CJI Ranjan Gogoi suicide case, Kateel said investigations should be allowed to proceed without political interference or premature conclusions.
“Anyone can make allegations. Let the investigation be completed in full. Premature debate can derail the probe,” he said.
On industrialist Mohandas Pai’s reported appeal to the Prime Minister regarding “tax terrorism,” Kateel said he was not aware of the full context of the letter but rejected the claim of politically driven raids.
He maintained that the Income Tax Department functions as an independent institution and noted that BJP leaders too have faced IT action. “It is incorrect to assume that every raid is politically motivated,” he said.
Local body polls delay and BJP leadership
Mangaluru Kateel also alleged that elections to Zilla Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats and municipal corporations in the State were being delayed due to internal power struggles within the ruling establishment over the Chief Minister’s post.
On internal BJP matters, he reaffirmed that B.Y. Vijayendra, appointed by the party’s national leadership, is the State president for all party workers.
“He is actively leading the party and doing commendable work. Differences of opinion are natural in any large political organisation,” Kateel said.
Recalling his own tenure, he noted that media speculation about his removal had started within a week of his appointment, yet he continued in the role for four years and eight months.
Conclusion
Mangaluru Kateel’s press conference reflected a broad-spectrum political and ideological attack on the Congress while strongly defending recent Central government policy decisions and BJP leadership positions. His remarks are likely to draw responses from opposition parties, particularly on his comments relating to Mahatma Gandhi and Gandhian philosophy, as political exchanges intensify ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.