New Delhi: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman reacted to Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi's allegations of “stealing” money from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and said that this reminds her of Rahul's “chor, chor” comment and public's befitting reply to it in Lok Sabha election.

"Whenever Rahul Gandhi raises things like 'chor, chori (thief, stealing)' one thing comes to my mind, he tried his best 'chor, chor, chori,' but public gave him befitting reply. What's the point of using the same words again?," said Nirmala.

She said that even if he had to comment on something with regard to the RBI, he should have consulted the finance experts from the Congress. Instead, it looks like he has become an expert in terming others 'chor' or thieves, she added.

Then she said that she does not want to give importance to what Rahul has to say on this matter.

Earlier today, Rahul had lashed out at the Centre for the Rs 1.76 lakh crore payout from the RBI. He had tweeted, "PM & FM are clueless about how to solve their self created economic disaster. Stealing from RBI won't work - it's like stealing a Band-Aid from the dispensary & sticking it on a gunshot wound (sic)."

The total payout of Rs 1.76 lakh crore obtained by the Centre from RBI includes Rs. 1.23 lakh crore dividend, Rs 52,640 crore surplus capital. The dividend payment also includes Rs 28,000 crore that has been transferred to the government in February, before the Lok Sabha election.

During the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule in 2009, the RBI transferred Rs 25,000 crore to the centre.

Also speaking about industries, Nirmala said that whatever be the size-small, medium, micro, nano or large entrepreneurs of this country, we want them to carry on with their business without a worry, reported ANI.