BJP stands by Modi's claims on Sonia's US treatment expenses

New Delhi: BJP today stood by the controversial claims of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi that funds from the public exchequer were spent on travel and treatment abroad of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and asked Congress to come clear on it.

Modi himself stuck to his contention that the government make clear if Rs 1,880 crore were spent from the public exchequer on Gandhi's treatment in the US, even though the RTI activist on whose basis he made the claim questioned the figures cited by Modi and said he had not received any reply to his RTI query.

"We condemn the Congress party's approach in diverting and adding issues which have not been raised by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. He has very clearly quoted media sources and raised a question. If you are genuinely interested in answering the question, you would say what was the amount spent," BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said.

After levelling the allegations yesterday, the Gujarat Chief Minister had offered to tender an apology hours after making the allegation if his charge was found to be false."If it was not Rs 1,880 crore, then what was it, just say.

If money was not spent from public exchequer, say so. What stops you from answering this question," Sitharaman said.She alleged that to avoid answering these questions, Congress is resorting to diversionary tactics by charging that this is a personal matter related to Gandhi's health.

"We also give good wishes for the health of Sonia Gandhi but if expenses were paid from the public treasury, please clarify," the BJP spokesperson said.Congress has dismissed Modi's charge as "falsehood" and said it is regrettable that the Gujarat Chief Minister has resorted to "blatant lies" which now stand exposed after the disclosure by RTI activist Ramesh Verma.