Ahead of polls, DMK alleges phone tapping by federal agencies
Tamil Nadu's ruling party Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has raised concerns about alleged phone-tapping activities by federal agencies. The party has officially complained with the state's chief election commissioner, claiming that the phones of its party leaders, including Lok Sabha candidates, along with their friends and relatives are being intercepted. Meanwhile, the state's main opposition party, All India's Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), has made similar accusations against the ruling DMK.
Why does this story matter?
As Lok Sabha elections approach, there have been increased accusations on various political parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party, and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi of spying on their political rivals. Last month, Telangana Police arrested a fourth police official for phone-tapping and spying on the behest of the BRS. It is estimated that over one lakh phone calls were intercepted, including those affiliated with the BJP and the Congress. Previously, in 2021, Rajasthan's Congress government admitted to phone tapping.
DMK leader accuses Union government agencies of illegal interception
In a letter to the commissioner, DMK leader RS Bharathi accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Income Tax (IT) Department and other central agencies of illegally intercepting the telephones of candidates and others related to them. Bharathi further alleged that these investigative bodies were using "illegal software" like Pegasus to tap into phones.
DMK leader calls for Election Commission intervention
Furthermore, he claimed this was creating an uneven playing field in the electoral process. The DMK leader called upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) for immediate intervention and an inquiry into what he described as "anti-democratic" actions by the Union government. Bharathi emphasized on the ECI's role in ensuring free and fair elections. In October last year, opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, accused "state-sponsored attackers" of hacking their iPhone after they recieved warnings from Apple.
Opposition party echoes similar phone tapping accusations
In a related development, the AIADMK, Tamil Nadu's opposition party, has also made similar accusations against the state government. It alleged that AIADMK leaders' phones are being tapped illegally as well. The claim adds another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged phone tapping activities in Tamil Nadu's political landscape.
