Rajkot, June 18 -- Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, held a press conference in Rajkot on Thursday, where he firmly rejected allegations of "poaching" opposition lawmakers.

Addressing the accusations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut regarding the alleged purchase of MPs, Athawale termed the claims as entirely devoid of truth.

Responding to the claims of financial inducement, Athawale challenged the opposition to bring forward evidence. "There is zero substance in Sanjay Raut's allegations. If he has proof of any financial transactions, he should present it. Making baseless claims does not hold water," the Minister asserted. He maintained that MPs from the Shiv Sena and other oppositio...