Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot with his former deputy Sachin Pilot.
Responding to the saffron party’s demand for a CBI probe into the “phone tapping” of political leaders in Rajasthan, the Congress on Saturday said that the BJP has now admitted to its role in the “murder of democracy” but their only grievance is “why did we get recorded and was the recording legitimate.”
“We all witnessed, over the last week, the day light murder of democracy being attempted by BJP in Rajasthan. Every day, a new layer comes out, exposing the direct links of the BJP in creating some kind of a crisis. The BJP has now admitted to its role in the murder of democracy in Rajasthan. Their only grievance was that when we were murdering, why were we getting recorded and if we were getting recorded was it legal,” Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said in a press briefing.
Khera said “it is like a murderer saying that the witness who saw me committing the murder and who went an informed the police.. didn’t he violate my privacy when he peeped into the room when I was committing the crime.”
“The shamelessness of this admission is also very shocking. They are not worried about the fact that they got caught red-handed. They are worried about the fact that why did they get caught. Was it legal?” he said.
The Congress said the fact that the Haryana police stopped a team of the SOG from Rajasthan, which went to Manesar to collect the voice samples of the ministers and the MLAs allegedly involved in these so-called audio tapes, has revealed the role of the BJP.
“For the first time in history, the police of another state actively blocked the Rajasthan SOG team from collecting the voice samples and quietly and surreptitiously ensured all the MLAs escaped from the back door of the hotel. The BJP openly misused its official machinery in Manohar Lal Khattar’s Haryana to thwart an ongoing investigation,” he said.
“What is the reason that Sachin Pilot trusts the Haryana police more than the Rajasthan police? We want to know. On the one hand, celebrated lawyers close to the BJP are trying to prove in the court of law in Rajasthan that Pilot and all the MLAs are part of the Congress party and on the other hand, these MLAs take protection from Haryana police and under that protection, try and escape from the hotel when the Rajasthan police team reaches to take the voice samples. If you are part of the Congress, why are you in the custody of a BJP-ruled state? We are told attempts are being made to take them to another BJP-ruled state of Karnataka,” he said.
Story continues below this ad
“So, all these facts come as a surprise to those who still want to believe what is being said in the court. All the MLAs, against whom there was no FIR, also tried to escape from the rear gate of the hotel. This makes it amply clear that it is a BJP operation. BJP is not denying it anymore. Actually, they are admitting to it. Their only grievance is why did we get recorded and was the recording legitimate,” he added.
Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape.
Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis.
The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage.
Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting.
Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics.
National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections.
Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum.
Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital.
Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief.
Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More
4 min read
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot with his former deputy Sachin Pilot.
