New Delhi, Dec. 18 -- Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday delivered a blistering speech in the Upper House, strongly opposing changes to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA).

Describing the bill as an attempt to "dismantle the Right to Work," Kharge warned that the move would push the poorest sections of society back into hunger, unemployment, and distress, and asserted that the opposition would fight it both inside and outside Parliament.

Speaking at length during the debate, Kharge said the bill was "not merely about changing the name or structure of MGNREGA" but about weakening and ultimately killing the world's most extensive employment guarantee programme. He accused the Mo...