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New Delhi: Just days after the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government passed a law to replace MGNREGA, CPI (M) leader and Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has claimed is now planning to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s image from the Indian Rupee.
Brittas’ latest allegations have come despite the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s repeated denials that any such move was on offer. Speaking to reporters, CPI(M) leader claimed that a high-level meeting regarding the same already taken place.
"Despite official denials, the first round of discussions has already happened at a high level. This is no longer mere speculation. Removing Gandhi from our currency is part of a larger attempt to rewrite the symbols of the nation," Brittas was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
As per the report, the Centre may look to change Gandhi’s image with an alternative symbol to reflect Indian culture. The image of ‘BHARAT Mata’ is among the options that are currently being discussed, the report added. Officials have maintained that the decision to design the currency rests with the RBI, which can only be done after discussion with the Centre. It may be noted that Mahatma Gandhi's image became permanent in 1996 in all denominations after the Mahatma Gandhi Series of banknotes was launched.
In 2022, the RBI had denied any such plan. It had said that there was no plan to replace Mahatma Gandhi’s image with another personality. The denial was made following reports that some notes are likely to carry images of APJ Abdul Kalam and Rabindranath Tagore.
The issue got momentum once again after the government introduced the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, dropping Mahatma Gandhi’s name. It also made significant changes in MNREGA. The Opposition parties have accused the government of trying to remove Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy.
