New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS): Comparing the nationwide outrage against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) with the Quit India movement, former Defence Minister A.K. Antony here on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw it and not to go forward with the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

"It's Modi who is telling lies. From his speech, one can sense that he has mellowed down slightly seeing the protest. This protest, especially with the huge participation of youth, is unparalleled. With every passing day, the protest is gathering support," said Antony soon after Modi delivered his 90-minute speech at the Ramleela Maidan.

The Congress leader said Modi came out with the CAA and the NRC to divert attention from his government's abject failure, unprecedented unemployment and collapse of economy.

"If not now, eventually Modi will have to hang his head in shame and withdraw both. His speech today is a clear indication of mellowing down as he said there have been no discussion on the NRC," said the senior Congress Working Committee member.

Antony said the Congress would strengthen the protest against the CAA and the NRC, and deploy all its feeder organisation for it.

"We will take along all like-minded parties, willing to come on a common platform with us to take forward the protest," Antony said.