Mahagathbandhan rally: Who said what?

A lot of people had a lot to say at the Grand Opposition rally in Kolkata. Here are some statements that stood out:

Mamata Banerjee

"Modi govt's expiry date is up."

"BJP has ruined India. BJP is busy in inciting riots. Banks, CBI, RBI, tax collection, democracy all have collapsed. But BJP is behaving as if it's the boss. In Karnataka, the JD(S)-Congress government is a democratically elected one. They (BJP) are trying to purchase MLAs. We are not holding the rally to topple the government but to ensure justice for people." 

 "Everyone has to come together in the interest of the nation. They should field strong candidates... collective leadership is very important... no need to think who will be the PM. We will decide that together after elections." 

"They (the BJP) have ruined the prestige of CBI. We will not allow riots in Bengal in the name of Rath Yatra. It's my promise to people. We had enough of 'acche din', now it's time to drive out the BJP."

Tejashwi Yadav

"Modi is a manufacturer, seller and distributor of lies."

Shatrughan Sinha

"The mood of the nation is - change, change and change."

"I have never seen such a lively rally. The credit goes to Mamata Banerjee. I have come here answering the call of Mamata Banerjee to save the country and democracy." 

"People often ask me why I speak against the BJP even as I am a member of the party. They ask me whether I am a rebel. I tell them if telling the truth means being a rebel, then yes I am a rebel." 

Deve Gowda

"I request all parties here to work for a united manifesto for Lok Sabha elections."

"Destabilising all the constitutional bodies is the major achievement of the Modi government." 

"Modi says coalition government can't bring good to nation, but I wish to remind him to check the initiatives of the coalition government under my prime ministership. We had done a lot of the development activities in that short period, which you are harvesting now," said Gowda, referring to the Borgibeel bridge and other projects.

Mallikarjun Kharge 

"Upcoming polls will be an election to restore democracy," said a message from Sonia Gandhi that was read by Kharge.

"Crisis is looming in the country. The youths are jobless... the upcoming Lok Sabha election will not be an ordinary one. It will be an election to restore democracy. The rally is an important attempt to galvanise leaders against the arrogant Modi government."

NCP Chief Sharad Pawar

"BJP leaders often say that the party leaders gathered here today will not be able to stay together and will fight each other for the prime minister's post. Let me assure you we have not come here for any post."

Chandrababu Naidu

"This prime minister is a publicity prime minister and not a performing prime minister."

"Today, we have gathered here with one mission: save India and save democracy. Five years back, people gave a clear mandate in favour of the BJP and the NDA. They have cheated the people. We want a performing prime minister."

Arvind Kejriwal

"What Pakistan could not do in 70 years, Modi and Amit Shah has done in five years."

"In last five years, the Modi-Shah duo has ruined the country. Youth have no jobs. Modi cheated them into voting for him by promising them jobs. Farmers are angry with BJP. They are committing suicide."

"Pakistan has already tried to divide the country. If Modi and Shah duo retains power in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, they will change the Constitution and finish democracy."

Akhilesh Yadav

"People will select a new PM for the country."

"What will start in Bengal will reflect in the country. They (the BJP) often taunt us that there are too many PM candidates here." 

"They (BJP) are forming alliances with CBI and ED."

H D Kumaraswamy

"BJP is offering money to Karnataka MLAs."

"I am very happy to be able to attend the rally. Bengal has always played a key role in the progress of the nation. It is an honour to share the dais with Mamata Banerjee. She is a role model for the country. This is just the beginning. We will work together to make a new India. Regional parties have played a key role in progress. Today, we are witnessing a system run by undemocratic leaders at the Centre."

 "While the government of Karnataka are waiving loans, state-run banks are issuing notices to them. I urge all non-BJP leaders to come together and oust the BJP. Let us come together and show the BJP that they are nothing but a paper tiger."

M K Stalin

"The next Lok Sabha elections will be the second freedom struggle."

"We have to send Modi home and save the country. Earlier, Modi used to say that he had no Opposition. But now he begins every speech by abusing the Opposition. He is afraid to see us united and has understood that his defeat is imminent."

"Modi has turned the government into a private limited company. He is managing director and others are director."

" We are speaking about the Rafael deal for the last six months. The government's own company was bypassed and contract was awarded to a private company. Is it not corruption?" 

Sharad Yadav

"Country is in crisis."

"Farmers are ruined. Youth are frustrated. Business has slumped due to GST. The economy has gone back 10 years because of demonetisation."

Abhishek Manu Singhvi

"The aim of this rainbow is to oust the Modi government and make a new India."

"You have seen whenever the division of votes (against the BJP stops), what happens. For instance, take a look at the Gorakhpur Lok Sabha Seat." 

Arun Shourie

"No other government had been so adamant about destroying the institution. Whether it's CBI or RBI, they are getting affected."

"People have lost faith in Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Now we have to convince them that we are together."

Yashwant Sinha

"This is the first government (BJP government at the Centre) that tampers with statistics... if you oppose this government, they will label you as anti-national."

"I know what BJP will say after this rally. They will say that we have all gathered here to remove the prime minister. But it is not about an individual but against the mindset and viewpoint. I am confident that we will contest the next election together and oust the current government. This is not about removing one man from power. We have come together to defeat an ideology."

Jayant Chowdhury (RJD)

"Mamata Banerjee is uncompromising when it comes to West Bengal, But the prime minister is uncompromising when it come to unduly giving contracts (Rafael deal)."

Lalduhawma (Zoram Nationalist Party)

"We want a secular government at the Centre."

"The Citizenship Amendment Bill is alienating the Northeast from the rest of the country." 

Gegong Apang (Former Arunachal Pradesh CM)

"Regional parties have to come together to save the country. Today, we have gathered here to save democracy." 

Hemant Soren (JMM)

"Communal forces are raising their heads in the country. We have to stand by tribals and Dalits and uproot the BJP from the country."

Jignesh Mevani 

"The country is going through an unprecedented crisis. All parties have to come together to defeat the BJP and the RSS."

Hardik Patel

"I will say that Subhas Chandra Bose fought the British, we will fight the thieves."