Bengaluru, Jan. 27 -- Criticism of the newly introduced VB G RAM G employment scheme triggered a political confrontation during Republic Day celebrations in Karnataka's Gadag district on Monday, when State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil and BJP MLC S.V. Sankanur clashed on the dais during the official ceremony.

The exchange unfolded at the district-level function at the District Stadium as Patil delivered the Republic Day address. In his speech, the minister said the legislation would "snatch employment opportunities from poor people." His remarks prompted an immediate objection from Sankanur, who walked up to Patil on stage to protest.

Despite the interruption, Patil continued speaking. Sankanur later stepped down fr...