An eminent economist, Shah, who has been appointed as an advisory board member by Obama to assist his team in smooth transition of power said, however, she was proud to be associated with NGOs dedicated to humanitarian missions, specifically for their work for quake-relief in Gujarat.

40-year-old Shah is part of a panel comprising individuals with significant private and public sector experience who will offer their expertise in their respective fields to Obama's transition team.

"My personal politics has nothing in common with views espoused by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), or any such organisation. I've never been involved in Indian politics, and never intend to do so".

Shah said in a statement, "I've always condemned any politics of division, of ethnic or religious hatred, of violence and intimidation as a political tool."

She described as "Internet rumours" and "factually inaccurate," the reports linking her to "Hindu Nationalist groups through a variety of tenuous connections".

She said, she was proud to have helped the earthquake victims of Gujarat, through NGOs working there.