Former Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday dismissed the charge that he was sworn in to the top post in a hush-hush ceremony last month despite lacking majority only to 'protect' Rs 40,000 crore central funds under the CM's control from being 'misused'.

Former Union minister and BJP MP Anant Hegde, known for making controversial statements, on Sunday sought to give a new twist to the last month's political drama in Maharashtra, claiming it was played out to ensure that the funds meant for development works were 'protected'.

Refuting the claim, Fadnavis said neither the Centre asked for any funds nor the Maharashtra government sent it any.

'It is absolutely wrong and I refute it completely,' Fadnavis said.

'A company of the central government is implementing the bullet train project, where the Maharashtra government's role is restricted to land acquisition only. Neither the Centre asked for any funds nor the Maharashtra government sent it back,' Fadnavis told reporters in Nagpur.

The Congress on Monday demanded an answer from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Hegde's claim.

'A union minister has exposed the Modi government. BJP's anti-Maharashtra face has been exposed. Has the federal structure been crushed? Was the Rs 40,000 crore earmarked for the welfare of the public and farmers withdrawn through a conspiracy? Prime Minister Reply!' tweeted Congress' spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.