Modi Resorting to Phone Tapping To Avoid Debate: BK Hariprasad
Hariprasad alleged that the phone-tapping exercise was an attempt to intimidate Congress leaders and also referred to the Snoopgate controversy during Modi's tenure as the CM of Gujarat
Bengaluru: KPCC president BK Hariprasad alleged that phone tapping was being resorted to because Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unable to respond to the open challenge issued by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru he said Rahul Gandhi had publicly invited Modi for an open debate after the latter and other BJP leaders made serious allegations against Opposition leaders, branding them as 'urban Naxals' and accusing them of indulging in anti-national activities.
Throughout his address Hariprasad addressed Modi as ‘Mahamanava.’
"Rahul Gandhi has openly challenged the Prime Minister to a debate. He has said that the day Modi comes forward for an open discussion, his political career will come to an end. Modi should accept the challenge instead of resorting to such tactics," Hariprasad said.
He said the proposed debate should establish who was actually acting against the country's interests, who was causing harm to the nation, and who was functioning as a puppet of foreign powers. It should also bring out which foreign forces were supporting whom.
Hariprasad alleged that the phone-tapping exercise was an attempt to intimidate Congress leaders and also referred to the Snoopgate controversy during Modi's tenure as the CM of Gujarat.
Referring to earlier instances of phone-tapping allegations in Karnataka, he recalled that former Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde had resigned when a controversy over phone tapping emerged during his tenure. “During those days my phone was also tapped," he said.
"The Prime Minister does not have the courage to face such a discussion, which is why these tactics are being adopted," he alleged.
Speaking about persons with an RSS background appointed to boards and corporations, Hariprasad said those associated with the organisation were being identified. He said those identified as having RSS links should resign or the government should withdraw their appointments.
Commenting on the relationship between the Union and Karnataka governments, Hariprasad said both were elected governments.
"The State government has been elected by the people. There should be a relationship between the Union government and the State government. They should not look at each other through a different perspective," he said.