Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, March 24: Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka, has accused the Karnataka government of engaging in phone tapping of opposition leaders, as well as ministers and leaders within its own party.
He further alleged that the internal power struggle for the chief minister’s position within the Congress party has intensified, predicting a significant political development in the state by November.
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru on Monday, Ashoka stated that phone tapping had been systematically carried out on leaders from all parties ever since Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took office. “This is happening 100% for sure,” Ashoka claimed.
File picture
Referring to an alleged honey trap attempt on Minister K N Rajanna, Ashoka questioned how such a plot could have been executed without prior knowledge of the minister’s whereabouts, suggesting that phone tapping was involved.
“If they wanted to send a team, they would need information about the whereabouts of the minister. That means they inevitably had to carry out phone tapping. This government is involved in phone tapping,” Ashoka asserted.
He also noted that he had raised concerns about phone tapping three months ago, echoing statements made by Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, who had previously accused the ruling party of such actions.
“They want to eliminate their opponents – whether in the opposition or within their own party. Even now, phone tapping is happening,” Ashoka alleged.
When asked about his personal involvement, Ashoka revealed, “My phone has been tapped for the past two years.”
In response to a question about why he hadn’t filed a formal complaint with the Home Minister, Ashoka retorted, “What’s the use of filing a complaint with the Home Minister?”
He also referred to the BJP’s efforts to raise the issue of the honey trap attempt involving minister Rajanna, stating that a note had been sent on the matter and discussions had been held with the Speaker. “Minister Rajanna’s son made a statement about it. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge rushed to Bengaluru to discuss the issue,” Ashoka added.
Ashoka went on to claim that factionalism within the ruling Congress party was escalating, stating that no one truly understands what is happening within the party. “After minister Rajanna’s statement, there has been no further news about the honey trap case. Rajanna’s son, a Congress MLC, had stated that he had taken permission from Siddaramaiah. Now, it is clear who is orchestrating this drama. Different factions within the Congress are at war over positions,” Ashoka continued.
He also questioned the motives behind Congress president Kharge’s visit to Bengaluru, sarcastically remarking, “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.”
Ashoka reiterated his claims that the government is tapping the phones of key leaders. “Even ruling party MLAs have spoken about it. The government is doing this to suppress opposition leaders. There is no doubt about it,” he concluded.
Reacting to the allegations, Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that the Police Department had not received any complaints regarding phone tapping so far.
“The government and intelligence agencies can conduct phone tapping under special provisions. However, we have not received any complaints. After these allegations were made, I verified with the officials. If a complaint is registered at any police station and the allegations are proven, action will be taken immediately. As Home Minister, I do not have direct access to such information,” he clarified.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also dismissed the allegations, asserting that the government had not been involved in phone tapping. “If there is any such issue, let them file a police complaint, and we will take appropriate action,” he said.