Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, March 25: BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has strongly criticised the Congress in response to allegations of phone tapping levelled by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, R Ashoka.

The LoP accused the government of engaging in phone tapping targeting Opposition leaders, as well as ministers and leaders within its own party.

Speaking to IANS, Naqvi highlighted the Congress’s longstanding involvement in espionage activities, dismissing the accusations as unsurprising.

"Congress is a party of espionage, and I say this because Congress has been historically involved in such activities. You may recall when Congress was in power, the Home Minister and Finance Minister oversaw spying operations. This is not something new. The Congress has a long history of such practices," Naqvi stated.

Naqvi also commented on the issue of comedian Kunal Kamra’s alleged criticism of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, following Kamra's refusal to apologise for his remarks. Naqvi said, "One must understand that freedom of expression cannot be used as an excuse for anarchy. It is not about chaotic expression."

He further added, "Some individuals are using freedom of expression as a shield to engage in reckless behaviour. Just because one has the right to express their opinion, it doesn’t mean they should use it to insult or mock others. These individuals need to realise that their anarchy is not protected under the guise of free speech."

In a separate issue, Naqvi defended the BJP’s 'Saugat-e-Modi' campaign, which aims to reach out to Muslim voters in poll-bound Bihar ahead of Eid. This initiative has prompted Opposition parties to accuse the BJP of only acknowledging Muslims during elections. Naqvi responded, "Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, our government has been working for the betterment of the most marginalised sections, ensuring development for everyone, without any discrimination. If anyone doubts PM Modi’s record, even those who don’t support him acknowledge that he has worked for inclusive growth. He has eradicated the communal polarisation that once prevailed."

The BJP leader also addressed concerns regarding West Bengal, where reports have emerged alleging that the names of Hindu voters have been removed from the voters' list.

"I find it odd that Bengal has become a state where nationalists are attacked, and those involved in anti-national activities are given support. It seems as though law and order have broken down and the Constitution is not being followed. There is chaos and violence, which tarnish the reputation of any elected government. It appears that some forces have hijacked the election process and are orchestrating these events," Naqvi said.

Earlier on Monday, BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, alleged, "Hindu voters' names are being removed from the voter list. I urge the Election Commission to sack the BDO of Krishnanagar."