Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi sharply criticised the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) Bill, also known as the 'GRAM G' Bill, labelling it "anti-state" and "anti-village" following its passage in Parliament amid opposition protests. The legislation, intended to replace the UPA-era Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), cleared both houses despite demands for scrutiny by a standing committee. Gandhi accused the Modi government of undermining rural workers' rights by transforming the demand-driven employment guarantee into a centrally controlled, rationed scheme.

In a strongly worded statement, Gandhi argued that the bill erodes the foundational principles of MGNREGA, which he described as one of the world's most successful poverty alleviation programmes. He claimed it weakens bargaining power for rural labourers, particularly Dalits, OBCs, and Adivasis, by capping work opportunities and introducing mechanisms to deny employment. "This government wants to break the leverage of rural India," Gandhi said, alleging the move centralises power in Delhi while promoting it as reform. He highlighted MGNREGA's role in reducing exploitation and distress migration and improving wages and infrastructure during its 20-year run.

The GRAM G Bill proposes increasing the guaranteed employment days from 100 to 125 while retaining unemployment allowances but shifts to generating jobs through pre-approved plans rather than on-demand requests. Critics, including Gandhi, contend this dilutes the scheme's worker-centric approach. The name change from Mahatma Gandhi to 'G RAM G' has fuelled outrage, with opposition leaders accusing the government of erasing the Father of the Nation's legacy from social welfare initiatives.

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Parliamentary proceedings were marked by chaos, with opposition MPs staging walkouts in the Lok Sabha and an overnight dharna in the complex. The bill passed the Rajya Sabha via voice vote around 12:15 a.m. after extended debates. Gandhi vowed to mobilise workers, panchayats, and states to form a nationwide front against the law, demanding its withdrawal to protect the rural poor's last defence. It now awaits presidential assent to become law.

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