Who is safe in this country, asks BJP

The BJP today slammed the Government on the issue of phone tapping of senior politicians, saying that it was resorting to such "despotic actions" as it has failed on all fronts.

The BJP today slammed the Government on the issue of phone tapping of senior politicians, saying that it was resorting to such "despotic actions" as it has failed on all fronts.

"In the garb of tracking terror, the Government is tracking politicians and even their own cabinet ministers from alliance partners. Apparently the Government has failed on all fronts, making them seemingly insecure and prompting such despotic actions," party spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

He demanded a "clear statement" on the issue from the Prime Minister and "none else" in Parliament.

"BJP would like to question that in perception of the Government, if the cabinet ministers are not safe, if the chief ministers are not safe, then who is safe in this country," Mr. Rudy said.

He termed the alleged phone tapping as an "outright violation of laws and bizarre infringement of our fundamental rights."
A serious issue: Gowda

Terming the tapping of telephones of political leaders as a “very serious issue”, JD(S) chief H.D. Deve Gowda today said his party would toe the line of the 13-party political combine on the matter.

Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, he said it was a matter of concern that telephones of several senior leaders, including NCP leader and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, have reportedly been tapped.

“Pawar has been supporting Congress and UPA for more than 15 years,” the JD (S) chief said while referring to the issue.