Referring to Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi's recent tour to Tamil Nadu, the BJP spokesperson claimed the visit cost over Rs.1 crore. 'This demolishes his tall claim of austerity,' he said, and asked if this was austerity.

Rudy added that Congress president Sonia Gandhi and other leaders 'tom-tomming' about austerity was all hypocrisy and played with people's emotions. It was to distract public attention from drought and price rise.

'It would be worthwhile if the UPA government stopped further lip service and chest thumping of austerity for sundry political gains,' he added.