Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 14: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has triggered a political controversy by alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was getting his phone tapped, prompting the BJP to hit back by recalling allegations of surveillance involving senior ministers during the UPA regime. The Congress, meanwhile, has demanded an independent investigation into the matter.
The controversy erupted after Gandhi made the phone-tapping allegation on Friday, drawing sharp reactions from leaders of both the ruling BJP and the Opposition.
Reacting to the charge, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi criticised the Congress, recalling the controversy surrounding alleged surveillance of senior ministers during the UPA government's tenure.
The controversy dates back to 2011 and primarily involved allegations concerning then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee. In September 2010, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) reportedly conducted an electronic sweep of Mukherjee's office and private chambers in North Block and allegedly discovered adhesive substances resembling chewing gum at 16 locations, raising suspicions of possible eavesdropping devices.
"For a party that has been the 'James Bond' of espionage, everything, whether they are awake or asleep, will appear to be an act of spying. This is the same party and family that, 12 years ago, when they were in power, had their own Home Minister and Finance Minister placed under surveillance. When they were caught, they claimed it was merely a piece of 'chewing gum' that had gotten stuck. They truly are the 'James Bonds' of spying," Naqvi alleged.
He further accused the Congress of repeatedly making allegations without substantiating them, saying, "They go around every single day armed with a fresh dose of tall claims."
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde questioned the credibility of Gandhi's allegations, pointing out that the Congress leader had made similar claims in the past without providing supporting evidence.
"Rahul Gandhi has made such allegations before, but when asked to provide evidence, he failed to do so. Even now, Rahul Gandhi should either present evidence before the country or hand over his phone for forensic testing. He is doing neither and is making allegations without providing proof. He makes allegations and then runs away, including abroad," Hegde said.
On the other hand, Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput asked the BJP to clarify whether phone tapping was taking place and demanded an independent probe into the allegations.
"The Bharatiya Janata Party should clearly state whether phone tapping is taking place or not. If Rahul Gandhi is making false statements, an investigation should be conducted against him. A sitting Supreme Court judge should investigate the matter to establish the truth," Rajput said.
He also called for an investigation into the alleged use of Pegasus spyware by the government and whether the Leader of Opposition was being targeted through phone surveillance.
Congress leader Hussain Dalwai defended the concerns raised by Gandhi, describing phone tapping as a criminal offence and an infringement of citizens' constitutional rights.
"He may face criticism over this, just as he is facing now. However, phone tapping is a criminal act. It is a form of theft. There are many kinds of theft, and this is another one. Why is there a need to tap someone's phone to know whom they are talking to or what they are discussing?" Dalwai said.
"The government is taking away the rights granted to people under the Constitution, which is wrong," he added.