Karnataka government accused of phone tapping

Bengaluru

Amid the ongoing honey trap controversy, Karnataka Leader of Opposition R Ashoka on Monday accused the Congress government of tapping the phones of key political figures, including ministers and ruling party MLAs.

Ashoka alleged that phone tapping was being used to control both opposition leaders and internal party members. "It’s happening 100 per cent. Don’t doubt it. If they need to send ‘her,’ ministers have to be tracked, and for that, phones have to be tapped. This government is fully engaged in phone tapping," he stated.

According to him, even some ruling party MLAs have admitted their phones are being monitored. He reiterated previous allegations made by himself and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy regarding such surveillance. "The government is trying to control its opponents, whether from the ruling party or the opposition. My phone, along with those of all opposition MLAs, is being tapped. This has been happening ever since Congress came to power," he claimed.

Deputy CM D K Shivakumar dismissed the allegations, stating, "If he wants, let him file a police complaint." Meanwhile, Home Minister G Parameshwara said no official complaints had been received but assured that any formal complaint would be investigated. He acknowledged that intelligence agencies conduct surveillance but only with government approval.