Synopsis
The BJP has accused the Karnataka government of engaging in phone tapping of opposition leaders and its own party members. Allegations stem from a press conference held by R. Ashoka, highlighting internal power struggles within Congress and recent honey trap incidents.Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka government is accused of systematically phone tapping leaders.
- R. Ashoka claims internal strife within the Congress is escalating.
- Allegations of a honey trap involving Minister K.N. Rajanna were mentioned.
- Both the Home Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have dismissed the accusations.
- Ashoka contends that his own phone has been tapped for two years.
Bengaluru, March 24 (NationPress) The Karnataka government is allegedly involved in phone tapping of opposition leaders, as well as ministers and officials within its own party, according to the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka.
He remarked that the internal struggle for power regarding the Chief Minister’s position within the Congress party has escalated, predicting a notable political shift in the state by November.
During a press briefing in Bengaluru on Monday, Ashoka asserted that since Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assumed office, the phones of leaders, irrespective of their political party affiliation, have been systematically monitored.
“This is happening 100 percent for sure,” he asserted.
Referring to an alleged honey trap incident involving Minister K.N. Rajanna, he stated: “If they intended to deploy a team, they would necessitate information regarding the minister's location. This implies they must have conducted phone tapping. This government is indeed involved in phone tapping.”
“We raised this issue three months prior. Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy also mentioned that the ruling party is engaging in phone tapping. They aim to eliminate their adversaries—whether in the opposition or within their own ranks. Even now, phone tapping continues,” Ashoka alleged.
He further asserted that his own phone has been monitored. “My phone has been tapped for the past two years,” he remarked in response to an inquiry.
When questioned about why he had not lodged a complaint with the Home Minister, he replied, “What’s the point of filing a complaint with the Home Minister?”
Ashoka also mentioned that the BJP had highlighted the honey trap allegation concerning Minister Rajanna following a note about the issue. “They also communicated with the Speaker. Minister Rajanna’s son made a statement regarding it. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hurried to Bengaluru to address the matter,” he claimed.
He argued that there is a lack of clarity regarding the developments within the ruling Congress party and added that factionalism has intensified.
“After Minister Rajanna’s statement, there has been no further news about the honey trap case. Rajanna’s son, a Congress MLC, stated that he had sought permission from Siddaramaiah. It is now evident who is orchestrating this drama. Various factions within the Congress are battling over positions,” Ashoka further claimed.
He also criticized Congress President Kharge, questioning his claim about inquiring into the Chief Minister’s health. “Who will believe that Kharge simply came to inquire about Siddaramaiah’s health when he has been seen in a wheelchair for over a month? Siddaramaiah has already started walking,” he remarked sarcastically.
Ashoka reiterated his claims that the government is surveilling the phones of key leaders. “Even ruling party MLAs have acknowledged this. The government is doing this to suppress opposition leaders. There is no doubt about it,” he concluded.
In response to the allegations, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the Police Department had not yet received any complaints.
“The government and intelligence agencies can perform phone tapping under specific provisions. However, we have not received any complaints. After these allegations arose, I checked with the officials. If a complaint is filed at any police station and the allegations are substantiated, action will be taken immediately. As Home Minister, I do not have direct access to such information,” he explained.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also rejected the allegations, asserting that the government has not engaged in phone tapping.
“If there is any such issue, let them file a police complaint, and we will take necessary action,” the Deputy Chief Minister stated.
