Satara: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has strongly dismissed the recent phone-tapping allegations made by Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, terming the claims as completely baseless. Speaking to the media in Maharashtra’s Satara on Sunday, Athawale stated that while the role of the Opposition is vital for a functioning democracy, there is absolutely no need for the government to tap Gandhi’s phone.
According to a report by ABP News, the Union Minister was responding to the massive political uproar triggered by Gandhi’s recent assertions that his mobile phone was being monitored by the ruling dispensation.
“There is no need to tap Rahul Gandhi’s phone. Having a Leader of the Opposition is very important in a democracy. The allegation he has made regarding phone tapping is a false allegation,” Athawale told news agency ANI.
The controversy erupted after Rahul Gandhi claimed that his phone was being tapped at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Congress leader alleged that all the evidence supporting his claims against the government was present on his device. Challenging the Prime Minister to a one-on-one public debate, Gandhi stated that such a discussion would expose who is acting on behalf of foreign powers and who is involved in anti-national activities.
During a recent ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on Instagram, Gandhi was asked why he continues to push for public debates when the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is ready to discuss issues in Parliament. In response, the Leader of the Opposition alleged that his microphone is frequently turned off and he is not allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha.
Gandhi further accused the Modi government of stifling his voice on critical national issues, including agricultural laws, alleged voter fraud, the border situation with China, and revelations from General MM Naravane’s book. He emphasised that he does not want debates featuring long, drawn-out speeches, but rather direct, face-to-face interactions where both leaders can ask each other pointed questions.
The political climate remains heated as the ruling alliance continues to reject the snooping allegations, maintaining that the Opposition is attempting to create false narratives ahead of crucial state elections.