DMK Files EC Complaint Over 'Illegal Phone Tapping By Agencies Of Union Govt'

DMK Organisation Secretary RS Bharathi emphasised the need for immediate intervention to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

RS Bharathi raised concerns about the use of sophisticated surveillance software like Pegasus by these agencies against political opponents

Source : File Photo

In a significant development ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has brought forth serious allegations of illegal phone tapping orchestrated by government agencies against party functionaries. DMK's Organisation Secretary, RS Bharathi, sent a formal complaint to both the Chief Election Commissioner in New Delhi and the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday.

Expressing grave concern over the purported violation of privacy and democratic principles, Bharathi emphasised the need for immediate intervention to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

In the letter, RS Bharathi said, "After the notification 2024 Lok Sabha elections, we have verily come to learn that the mobile phones of our candidates, our front-line leaders, their friends, and close relatives are being tapped illegally by the agencies of the Union Government such as Enforcement Directorate and the Income Tax authorities and other investigation agencies under the Union Government."

"It has also come to our knowledge that these agencies are using illegal software for the purpose of illegal tapping to crate a non-level field in Electioneering," he said. 

Moreover, Bharathi raised concerns about the use of sophisticated surveillance software like Pegasus by these agencies against political opponents, further exacerbating the threat to democratic processes.

With the Election Commission of India pledging to uphold the principles of free and fair elections, Bharathi stressed the commission's responsibility to swiftly intervene and conduct a thorough investigation into these alleged anti-democratic actions by the Union Government. He said, "When the Election Commission of India is promising and advocating for Free and Fair elections,  it is its bounden duty to immediately intervene and cause a very thorough enquiry into this anti-democratic actions of the Union Government."

Further, he urged the ECI to ensure transparency by disclosing the initiation and outcome of any such inquiry.