Overview On December 17, 2025 , Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin strongly criticized the AIADMK for their perceived silence regarding the central government's decision to alter and rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) . The scheme is now known as the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission–Gramin (VBGRAMG) . Key Developments Stalin's Criticism In a social media post, Mr. Stalin directly questioned the AIADMK's position on VBGRAMG , emphasizing its direct impact on the rural poor. He drew parallels with the AIADMK's previous support for controversial policies such as the three farm laws and the Citizenship (Amendment) Act. Renaming and Language Politics Stalin highlighted that the central government had removed Mahatma Gandhi's name from MGNREGA and renamed the scheme in Hindi, potentially creating difficulties for non-Hindi speaking populations. He invoked the legacy of Perarignar Anna (C.N. Annadurai) , a prominent figure in the anti-Hindi imposition movement, to underscore the importance of opposing this change. Financial Implications Mr. Stalin pointed out that under the new arrangement, while the central government would determine the terms and conditions of VBGRAMG , state governments would be required to contribute additional funds from their own resources. He questioned whether the AIADMK accepted this arrangement without protest, suggesting that this would not have been the stance of their former leader, Jayalalithaa . UPSC Relevance GS2: Government Policies and Interventions This news highlights the dynamics of federalism and the implementation of national schemes. The renaming of MGNREGS and the associated financial implications are relevant for understanding Centre-State relations and policy implementation at the grassroots level. GS3: Economy The financial burden on state governments due to the altered funding model of VBGRAMG can impact their fiscal health and developmental priorities. This is relevant for understanding the economic implications of government policies. Important Points MGNREGS: A flagship scheme aimed at providing livelihood security to rural households. VBGRAMG: The renamed version of MGNREGS, reflecting the government's vision for a developed India. Centre-State Relations: The issue underscores the ongoing debate about the balance of power and financial responsibilities between the central and state governments.