Party lawmakers stop using their mobiles as talk of CM Yeddy tapping their phones gives them the jitters
Party lawmakers stop using their mobiles as talk of CM Yeddy tapping their phones gives them the jitters
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The Reddy brothers' rebellion has had a strange effect on other BJP MLAs -- they are no longer using their mobile phones. The ministers are allegedly scared that CM Yeddyurappa has engaged intelligence agencies to tap their personal lines, with sources saying more than 10 leaders are being closely watched. Hence, the ministers have started using phones belonging to their close ones or their secretary or purchasing a new SIM card, said sources.
Dissent, anyone?
"I have stopped using my personal number. I have been told that some mobiles are being tapped. I use my friend's number to make calls," said a senior BJP leader, who was recently seen with Tourism Minister Janardhan Reddy. "We have learnt mobile phones of some leaders are being tapped to learn of possible dissent. Most of us have got new numbers to make important calls."
The private secretary of a cabinet minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "Our minister uses my phone, He said that his phone had been tapped and he feels talking to his friends in other political parties on his personal phone may affect him."
Sources said that the movements of a few leaders, who were recently seen with Renukacharya and those in touch with former CM HD Kumaraswamy are being tracked. Daily reports on places they visit and leaders they meet are given to the CM.
"Kumaraswamy's statements on forming the government have put top leaders on high alert," said another BJP MLA on condition of anonymity.
| The Other Side |
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Ministers close to the chief minister ruled out phone tapping. "These are all rumours," said R Ashok, transport minister. "Similar rumors made rounds in the past, when dissident activities were reported in the party. |
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