Thieves, publicity PM and more: What opposition leaders said today
What's the story
On Saturday, opposition leaders savagely attacked NDA at Centre and primarily Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a number of issues. The mega opposition rally, the brainchild of TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee, was held at Brigade ground in Kolkata where politicians took turns to reprimand PM Modi. Showing a united front, Banerjee said BJP's exit is necessary for the country. Here's what they said.
Yadav's words
They don't have any other name for PM: Akhilesh Yadav
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, who had earlier said the nation needed a new Prime Minister, asked BJP if they had another name for the top post. Yadav said the BJP mocked the grand alliance saying it had many dulhas (grooms), but they don't have an alternative to PM Modi. He said BJP disappointed people and this led to the mahagathbandhan's birth.
Naidu's attack
Modi is a publicity PM, claims Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu congratulated Mamata Banerjee for organizing the rally. In his over 13-minutes long speech, he claimed, "The prime minister is a publicity PM, but what we want is a performing Prime Minister." He said people gave BJP votes, but the Centre only framed slogans. Gujarat's Hardik Patel said after fighting goro (Britishers) it was time to fight choro (thieves).
Quote
Regional parties are getting stronger: Kumaraswamy
"India is one of the strongest democracies. However, today we're witnessing a system where there is an undemocratic, anti-constitutional government at Centre. Regional parties have the strong instinct to connect with the people and protect the interests of their states," said Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy.
Fiery statements
"ED and CBI have become government's alliance partners"
Tejashwi Yadav, who is leading opposition in Bihar, said ED and CBI have become the Centre's alliance partners. "If you make a compromise with them, join them, you will be counted among Raja Harishchandra (Honest)," he added. But those who ask questions are being suppressed, Tejashwi claimed. BSP leader SC Mishra said the government caused distress to farmers and workers, hence should be uprooted.
Claims
PM Modi will fear Mamata Banerjee: MK Stalin
Upping his attack on Centre, DMK's MK Stalin likened the general elections to 'second freedom struggle'. He said PM Modi earlier claimed India had no opposition but is scared now. "If Modi comes to power again, India will go back 50 years. Narendra Modi will fear few people, Mamta Banerjee is one amongst them," he said. NCP's Sharad Pawar said institutions were destroyed.
Dictatorship fears
Modi-Shah will rule India like Hitler ruled Germany: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who fought against PM Modi in 2014 from Varanasi Lok Sabha seat, claimed BJP will change the Constitution if it returns to power. "They will do the same thing that Adolf Hitler had done in Germany when he came to power," Kejriwal said. He said Pakistan failed to divide India among religion lines for 70 years, but BJP succeeded.
'Rebel' Sinha
Meanwhile, Shatrughan Sinha's presence left BJP embarrassed
Among the many opposition leaders, sat BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha. Speaking at his turn, Sinha advised PM Modi to come clean on the Rafale deal. "Until you answer them, the public will continue to say that chowkidaar chor hai," he said. Sinha said he hadn't seen a more jaandar (lively), shaandar (grand) and damdaar (powerful) rally in his life and congratulated Banerjee.
Twitter Post
"I am a rebel", announces Shatrughan Sinha
Shatrughan Sinha, BJP at Opposition rally in Kolkata: Agar sach kehna baghawat hai toh samjho hum bhi baghi hain. Main sach ke saath, sidhanton se samjhouta nahi kar sakta. pic.twitter.com/hJE1Z2Mv4P
— ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2019
Warnings
Won't allow BJP's rath yatra in Bengal, Banerjee clarifies
The last leader to take the stage was Mamata Banerjee who said PM Modi's government is past its expiry date and this was the beginning of their end. About BJP's rath yatra, the CM said she won't allow riots in the name of the procession. She told PM Modi doesn't respect BJP leaders and the opposition will fight the 'fascist' forces in upcoming elections.