NEW DELHI: Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Sunday slammed BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for criticizing the UPA government ’s performance and praising the NDA regime .

Singh also challenged Modi to debate with any Congress leader on issues of governance and development.

Singh took Modi head on for his praise of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ’s government. "Modi – ‘Atalji's was a Golden Era’. Because Modi didn't follow Raj dharm? Parliament was attacked by terrorists? Terrorists were released,” Singh tweeted.

Addressing NRIs through video conferencing, the BJP strongman commended NDA’s six-year tenure, saying that under Vajpayee, it looked that the 21st century would be India’s century. “But with his departure, the downfall started," he said.

Singh dismissed Modi’s criticism, alleging that the BJP leader was giving "fake figures" of growth during the NDA regime.

"Good to hear Modi talking about inclusive politics. But can a leopard change its spots? Feku Modi at his best. Giving fake figures of growth during NDA regime," Singh said.

He rubbished Modi’s attack that people have lost faith in the UPA, saying the Congress-led government has fulfilled every promise made and empowered people by giving rights on information, education, food security and rights to women and tribals and also the right to work.

"The list can go on. Would Modi have courage to debate with one of us on issues of governance, development and other national issues," he said.

Singh ridiculed Modi's claim that people are looking at BJP to bring a positive change in the nation and wondered if it will be "because thousands were killed in communal riots? Because rules were bent to favour the favourites! Because of Bangaru Laxman caught on camera".