Kolkata, January 19: Former BJP minister and journalist Arun Shourie, speaking at the TMC's United India Rally where leaders and representatives of 22 Opposition leaders are present, attacked the Narendra Modi led Central government and called it a "government of lies." Shourie left no stone unturned in criticising the Narendra Modi government and called the Rafale deal as "India's Biggest Defence Scam." Rafale Deal Controversy: France Comes to PM Narendra Modi's Rescue, Refutes Reports of Ordering Jets at 50% Less Than India's Price.

The former BJP leader said that no other government in the history of India has spoken as many lies as the current government. He also accused the Modi government of destroying institutions like the CBI, RBI and other institutions. United India Rally: Mamata Banerjee Welcomes National Leaders & Supporters at Brigade Parade Grounds for the Mega Event.

Shourie also thanked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for bringing all major opposition leaders on one platform and asked other leaders like Sharad Pawar and others to organise similar rallies in their states. He called Mamata the sherni (tigress) of Bengal. Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi to Skip Mamata Banerjee’s Opposition Rally in Kolkata.

Before Shourie, Gujarat Patidar leader Hardik Patel on Saturday said while Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had given a call to fight against the ‘goro’ (Britishers) “we are fighting against ‘choro’ (thieves).”

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, in a tweet before the TMC mega rally, tweeted saying that the rally is akin to "cherishing the idea of India." The TMC chief wrote in her tweet that "Only few hours to go for the historic 'United India Rally' at Brigade Parade Grounds. I welcome all national leaders, supporters and lakhs of people to participate in today's rally to pledge to build a stronger, progressive and united India."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 19, 2019 01:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).