Tapping of phones a very serious issue, says Gowda

BANGALORE: Terming the tapping of telephones of political leaders as a "very serious issue", JDS chief HD Devegowda on Saturday said his party would toe the line of the 13-party political combine on the matter.

Speaking to reporters here, he said it was a matter of concern that telephones of several senior leaders, including NCP leader and Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, have reportedly been tapped.

"Pawar has been supporting Congress and UPA for more than 15 years," the JDS chief said while referring to the issue.

Devegowda also recalled events that led to the resignation of the then chief minister, late Ramakrishna Hegde, against whom similar charges were levelled, "which ultimately was proved".

The JDS would abide by whatever decision the 13-party political combine, including Left, takes on the issue and was awaiting the principle Opposition party BJP's stand, he said.

Devegowda's son and former state chief minister HD Kumaraswamy, who was also present, alleged that the BJP government headed by B S Yeddyurappa, had also resorted to tapping of mobile phones of some ministers.

Kumaraswamy claimed that some ministers had personally told him that their mobile phones were being bugged.

However, Devegowda said "let us not mix up the issue".