Cong challenges Kangana to prove charge against Himachal govt, Sonia Gandhi

The Congress has responded angrily to BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's allegations - that its Himachal Pradesh government illegally transferred funds meant for disaster relief to Sonia Gandhi.

The hill state's Public Works Department Minister - Vikramaditya Singh - warned Ms Ranaut to either withdraw the accusation or face legal action. "If Kangana does not retract her statement... we will sue for defamation. On what basis did she make such a statement? It is extremely unfortunate (that) she made a statement against a leader of Sonia Gandhi's stature," Mr Singh said Monday afternoon.

"There cannot be a (more) foolish statement than saying 'funds coming from the Centre, or the state's funds for development, are being given to Sonia Gandhi," he said, "I openly challenge Kangana to show proof of even Re 1 being diverted... or apologise to Sonia Gandhi for such baseless allegations..."