In an RTI application that sought evidence to substantiate PM Narendra Modi's accusation that the Congress leadership colluded with Pakistani authorities ahead of the Gujarat elections last year, the PMO said Modi’s statements come from 'multiple channels, including formal and informal' sources.

Addressing a rally at Palanpur city in Gujarat, PM Modi on 10 December 2017 had alleged, “There was a meeting convened at (Mani Shankar) Aiyar’s residence where Pakistan’s High Commissioner, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ansari and Manmohan Singh were present. The meeting lasted three hours.” The implication was that the Congress party had been colluding with the Pakistani government, in an attempt to “influence” the results of the Gujarat elections.