CPM MP alleges Centre held ‘high-level’ meeting to remove Gandhi’s image from currency notes

Mahatma Gandhi’s image first appeared on Indian currency in 1969 to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary.

Amid the Opposition criticising the BJP-led Centre for renaming the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas claimed that the Centre is now moving towards removing Mahatma Gandhi’s image from Indian currency notes.

According to New Indian Express, Brittas said a "high-level meeting" on the issue had already been held.

"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 said.

Sources told NIE that the Centre may consider replacing Gandhi's image with an alternative symbol that it believes "better reflects India's culture," with "Bharat Mata" being among the options discussed.

In 2022, the Reserve Bank of India had denied reports suggesting that Gandhi’s image would be removed from Indian currency. The clarification came after some media reports claimed that the RBI and the finance ministry were considering images of figures such as Rabindranath Tagore and A P J Abdul Kalam for certain denominations.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) proposed featuring Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on notes to bring prosperity to the country. The suggestion sparked a political storm, with opposition leaders and members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejecting the idea.

Mahatma Gandhi’s image first appeared on Indian currency in 1969 to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary. Over time, his image became synonymous with Indian banknotes, symbolising the nation’s values of peace, unity, and sacrifice.

The government recently introduced the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, dropping Gandhi's name and making significant changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Following this,  Opposition parties have accused the government of politicising the scheme by invoking Ram's name and attempting to erase Mahatma Gandhi's legacy.