The allegations was levelled by Shiv Sena member of Rajya Sabha, Sanjay Nirupam, in a surprise move on Saturday last. Addressing a press conference, Nirupam had alleged that financial assistance was extended by Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank to Polysack Industrial Cooperative Society under pressure from Gadkari. Reacting sharply to Nirupam's statement, Gadkari today issued a release saying that the allegations were far from the truth. Nirupam should have contacted him before making such a statement, he added.

In a separate release, the society also refuted the allegations saying that Nirupam's statement was politically motivated. The society Secretary Shripad Risaldar pointed out that the society was set up in 1988-89 by collecting share capital from citizens. Financial assistance in the form of term loanwas sought from Maharashtra State Financial Corporation. The society is repaying the instalments regularly. Financial help was also sought from Nagpur District Central Cooperative Bank for working capital. It was done strictly according to the regulations governing the banking sector and there was no question of exerting political pressure, the release said. The secretary claimed that the society was doing well and obtained `B' class in audit.