DMK accuses central agencies of tapping phones of leaders, LS candidates
In its complaint to the EC, party says the agencies are using “illegal software” to tap phones and help the ruling party get an edge over others in the polls
The DMK has written to the Election Commission, accusing central agencies including the Enforcement Directorate, the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Income Tax Department of tapping phone conversations of top-rung leaders of the party, its Lok Sabha candidates as well their family and friends.
The DMK’s letter comes days after the AIADMK filed a complaint with Election Commission (EC), accusing the intelligence wing of the Tamil Nadu police of tapping phones of opposition leaders in the state.
“While no authority can intercept the phone conversation except for the purposes of the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of an offence, with the prior permission of designated authorities, we understand that the central agencies are illegally intercepting the telephones of candidates, our frontline leaders, their friends and close relatives,” DMK organisation secretary RS Bharathi told the EC in the complaint.
‘Agencies using illegal software to eliminate level-playing field’
Accusing the agencies of using “illegal software” to tap phones and help the ruling party get an edge over the others in the elections, Bharathi said, “we cannot be oblivious of the fact that software like Pegasus is said to be used by these agencies against political opponents.”
He also urged the EC to launch an inquiry into the allegations of phone tapping and ensure free and fair elections in the country.
