Pune-based activist Prafful Sarda filed the RTI application in November 2024, demanding details of the annual Diwali expenditure of both leaders. Dr. Singh, who died on December 26, 2024, and Prime Minister Modi have both claimed that no public money was spent on their personal celebrations.

In a response dated January 3, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) clarified that no government funds were used for the personal expenses of any of the prime ministers. PMO Under-Secretary and Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) Parvesh Kumar said, “Personal expenses of the Prime Minister are not borne by the government. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) does not spend money on the Prime Minister’s personal expenses.”

In view of the RTI response, Prafful Sarda expressed hope that other political leaders, including ministers, governors, chief ministers, MPs and MLAs, irrespective of their political affiliation, follow the same practice and not use government funds for personal expenses.

“I hope other ministers, governors, CMs, MPs and MLAs irrespective of their political alliance will follow the same example,” remarked RTI activist Sarda.

This revelation comes amid controversy over Prime Minister Modi’s 7.5-carat diamond gift to US First Lady Jill Biden during his visit in 2023. The diamond sparked international debate after US authorities valued it at US$20,000. dollars, while India’s foreign ministry clarified that the lab-grown gemstone had a much lower estimated value of less than Rs 2 lakh.IANS