Congress has killed Gandhi’s ideology more than Godse: Nalin Kumar Kateel

Congress has killed Gandhi’s ideology more than Godse: Nalin Kumar Kateel

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 3, 2026: Former MP and former BJP State president Nalin Kumar Kateel on Monday made a sharp attack on the Congress, alleging that the party had “killed Mahatma Gandhi’s ideology more than Nathuram Godse ever did.”

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office in Mangaluru, Kateel reacted strongly to issues related to the Union Budget, the renaming of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) as Vibrant Village–Ram (VVG-Ram), Centre–State fund allocation, Gandhian philosophy and the functioning of the State government.

Responding to criticism over the renaming of the Vibrant Village scheme, Kateel alleged that during the earlier MGNREGA implementation, nearly ₹27,000 crore was misappropriated in States such as Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Telangana. He said the changes were aimed at preventing misuse of funds and accused the Congress of opposing the move purely for the sake of opposition. “Does Congress want public money to be wasted?” he questioned.

Speaking on Mahatma Gandhi, Kateel said Gandhi invoked the name of ‘Ram’ throughout his life and even in his final moments. He recalled that Gandhi envisioned Ram Rajya and Gram Swaraj, and often said that “Ram was his breath, life and soul.” Naming the scheme after Ram was therefore justified, he asserted.

Launching a broader ideological attack, Kateel said Gandhi had promoted Ram Rajya and a de-addicted India rather than caste-based politics during the freedom struggle. “Congress, by following the British style of governance and indulging in caste politics, has continuously murdered Gandhian thought,” he alleged. He claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the one who had truly translated Gandhi’s dream of Gram Swaraj into action.

Governor not bound to approve every Bill, warns Kateel

Commenting on the controversy surrounding the Governor’s opposition to the Hate Speech Bill, Kateel said the Governor was not obligated to sign every Bill sent by the State government.

He cautioned that the proposed law could prove dangerous in the future and might be misused to politically target opponents. “It will not only affect politicians but could also create serious problems for journalists,” he said.

‘Let CJI Ranjan Gogoi suicide case be fully investigated’

On allegations against the Centre in connection with the CJI Ranjan Gogoi suicide case, Kateel said anyone could make accusations, but stressed that the matter was still under investigation.

“All forms of investigation should be allowed. Premature discussion will derail the probe,” he said.

‘No tax terrorism; IT department is independent’

Reacting to industrialist Mohandas Pai’s appeal to Prime Minister Modi to protect citizens from “tax terrorism,” Kateel said he was unaware of the context in which the letter was written.

Speaking in Mangaluru, he said such raids were not happening in the manner they once did and pointed out that BJP leaders had also faced income tax action. “The Income Tax Department is an independent institution. It is incorrect to claim that actions are driven by political vendetta,” he added.

Delay in local body polls due to CM’s chair tussle: Kateel

Kateel alleged that elections to Zilla Panchayats, Taluk Panchayats and municipal corporations were being delayed due to internal confusion over the Chief Minister’s chair within the State government.

‘Vijayendra is BJP president for all’

Responding to questions on BJP leadership, Kateel said B.Y. Vijayendra, who has been appointed as BJP State president by the party’s national leadership, is the president for everyone in the State.

“He is actively leading the party and doing commendable work. Differences of opinion over leadership are not unusual,” Kateel said.

Recalling his own tenure, he added that media reports predicting his removal had surfaced within a week of his appointment as State president. “Despite that, I got the opportunity to serve as BJP State president for four years and eight months,” he said.