Kirodi Lal Meena Denies Phone-Tapping Allegations; No Assembly Response Required from CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Minister of State for Home, Jawahar Singh Bedham, stated that Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma need not address the phone-tapping controversy in the state assembly. This follows Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena's denial of his phone being tapped. The Congress party has been pressing for the Chief Minister's response on this issue in the assembly.

Bedham asserted that phone tapping is a practice associated with the Congress party. He emphasised that the BJP does not engage in tapping the phones of MLAs or ministers. "Kirodi Lal Meena has himself said that his phone was not tapped. In such a case, why would there be a necessity for a reply in the House," he remarked.

Opposition's Demand and Past Allegations

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, who faced similar accusations during his tenure as Chief Minister in 2020, also urged CM Sharma to discuss the matter in the assembly. Bedham mentioned that Gehlot seemed uneasy about Sharma's response to the governor's address in the Assembly. He accused Gehlot of making derogatory statements against the then Congress state president and deputy chief minister.

Gehlot allegedly had their phones tapped, according to Bedham. "His MLA had openly said that he was getting the phones of leaders tapped," Bedham added. These allegations have resurfaced amidst current demands for clarity from CM Sharma.

Meena's Allegations and BJP's Response

Kirodi Lal Meena recently claimed at a public meeting that his phone calls were being intercepted. In response, the state BJP unit issued a show cause notice to Meena on Monday, stating that his remarks damaged the government's image. Meena acknowledged receiving this notice and responded on Wednesday.

While Meena did not reveal details of his reply, he admitted to an error highlighted in the show cause notice. This admission comes amid ongoing discussions about phone-tapping practices and political accountability within the state government.

The controversy continues as political figures debate over privacy concerns and accountability. The opposition remains firm on its demand for a comprehensive explanation from Chief Minister Sharma regarding these allegations.