A major uproar broke out in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly after BJP members accused the ruling Congress government of tapping phones at Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor.
The controversy started when Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil spoke during the Assembly session. He said that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had been receiving instructions from New Delhi over the phone. This statement raised suspicions among BJP leaders.
BJP members questioned how the minister knew about the Governor’s phone conversations. They alleged that the government might be monitoring or tapping phones at the Governor’s residence. The opposition called it a serious issue and said it violated privacy and constitutional norms.
The matter came up during the Motion of Thanks to the Governor’s address on Wednesday. Soon after the statement was made, BJP legislators demanded an immediate explanation from the government. They asked whether phone tapping was taking place and who had authorised it.
The heated exchange led to loud protests in the House. BJP members raised slogans and demanded accountability. The session was briefly disrupted due to the commotion.
The Congress government denied any wrongdoing and said there was no phone tapping. Ministers said the allegations were baseless and politically motivated.
The issue has now turned into a major political controversy, with both sides blaming each other. Further clarification from the government is expected in the coming days.