"We challenge this Chief Minister to join us in a public debate on his blatant lies on the pretext of injustice to the state by Central Government," said Arjun Modhvadia, president of Gujarat Congress, at a press conference here.
Referring to state government-sponsored advertisements in print and electronic media accusing the UPA government of being unjust to Gujarat, Modhvadia said Modi had resorted to spreading "canards" to cover up the mismanagement during the 17 years of BJP rule in the state.
"I challenge this CM to pick a day of his choice by September 22 when, in the presence of leading intellectuals, journalists, experts from different fields, we will have open debate on the issues he has been raising in the name of injustice," the Congress leader said.
"Modi is using such a language for the Central government, which even India and Pakistan do not use against each other....As if he has declared a war against the Central government," Modhvadia said.
