New Delhi, Dec. 27 -- Former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Saturday claimed that the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was a "direct attack" on the livelihood of rural poor, who were guaranteed 100 days of employment as a constitutional right.

Speaking to reporters here, he claimed that the centre intended to get rid of the rural employment scheme, since it had already made it "hollow".

"The scheme that was run in the name of Mahatma Gandhi, they have changed its name. They intend to phase out the scheme gradually. NREGA is a protective shield for the rural poor, providing them with financial stability. 100 days of employment was their constitutional...