Slamming the Kerala unit of the Congress for alleging that she had got a Rs 18-crore loan from the crisis-hit New India Cooperative Bank written off by “giving her social media accounts to the BJP”, actor Preity Zinta has accused the party of indulging in “vile gossip” and said the loan amount was paid back in full 10 years ago. 

On Monday, the X handle of the Kerala Congress shared a post by a news outlet and wrote, “She gave her social media accounts to BJP and got 18 Cr written off and the bank collapsed last week.. Depositors are on the streets for their money.”

Hitting back, Ms Zinta asserted that she operates her social media accounts herself and accused the Congress of spreading “fake news”.

“No I operate my social media accounts my self and shame on you for promoting FAKE NEWS ! No one wrote off anything or any loan for me. I’m shocked that a political party or their representative is promoting fake news & indulging in vile gossip & click baits using my name & images (sic),” she posted. 

Clarifying that a loan was taken, but paid back, she added, “For the record a loan was taken and FULLY PAID BACK – over 10 years ago. Hope this clarifies and helps so there are no misunderstandings in the future.”

The Kerala Congress’ post also now has a community note that says “Preity Zinta has clarified from her Twitter handle that it is fake”, with a link to the actor’s statement.