Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP) 

Bengaluru, Sep 30: The information that Adichunchanagiri Swamiji's phone had been tapped has created ripples in the state politics. On this issue, there is spar between chief minister, B S Yediyurappa's son, Vijayendra, and former chief minister, H D Kumaraswamy. 

Kumaraswamy has hit back at the allegation that he had made sure that along with telephones of smugglers, the phone of Adichunchanagiri Sri Nirmalananda Swamiji was also tapped by the central crime branch officials. He said he has been deeply hurt by this allegation. In a tweet on the issue, Vijayendra said that stooping so low in politics just for power is unethical.

In his tweet on Sunday morning, Kumaraswamy said he has been deeply agitated by the statements of political leaders over the above phone tapping allegation. He said that his pain has become even more excruciating at the thought of these rumours having given rise to unhappiness in the Swamiji, noting that the Swamiji has always provided him moral support and guidance and that the Swamiji had offered prayers to Lord Kalabhairava for his future. 

Kumaraswamy said his name has been unnecessarily dragged into the matter, and expressed surprise at the fact that minister, R Ashok, has tendered apology for a mistake that has never happened. "I do not understand what he will gain out of this gimmick. I feel pity for his hurried reaction. I am also pained at the way the Swamiji may be feeling about this unfounded allegation," he clarified. 

These developments have given rise to criticisms and twitter war between factions supporting the two sides. While Vijayendra has criticized Kumaraswamy's statement, JD(S) workers have targeted Vijayendra. Some said that it would have been better if Yediyurappa was made to react to this allegation. 

Vijayendra urged Kumaraswamy to tender apologies to the Swamijis for tapping his phone and also including him in the list of smugglers. 

It is said that Kumaraswamy, through IPS officer, Alok Kumar, has got a number of phones belonging to politicians and dignitaries. However, the information that the phone of Sri Nirmalananda Swamiji was also tapped has stirred a hornet's nest.