THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Allegations of widespread and sophisticated phone tapping have surfaced in the state capital, with the surveillance reportedly targeting UDF opposition leaders and now extending to key figures within the ruling front’s alliance partner, the CPI.
The controversy gained significant traction after Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan publicly accused, in the presence of the Chief Minister at the Asianet News 30th Anniversary celebration, that his phone was being intercepted. “We cannot even make a phone call; we are all under surveillance,” he reportedly stated, indicating that UDF leaders have been aware of the breach for some time.
Flat in Focus
Sources indicate the clandestine operation is allegedly being run from a flat in Thiruvananthapuram. The surveillance reportedly began targeting UDF leaders, including Mr. Satheesan, after the Opposition intensified its protests against the controversial SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project.
Cracks in the Coalition?
In a new twist, intelligence suggests that the phone tapping net has widened to include leaders and even ministers of the CPI, a major ally in the ruling LDF coalition. The alleged motive behind this internal surveillance is to pre-empt and leak the CPI’s stance on the contentious PM-SHRI scheme, where the party has reportedly had differences with the main ruling party.
The escalating situation has raised serious concerns about privacy and political espionage within the state’s corridors of power.
