Sam Bhai Again Defends Narendra Bhai on Rahul’s Phone-Tapping Charge: “PM Doesn’t Do It”

Sam Bhai has once again differed with Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, this time over the allegation that the Union Government was tapping phones.

In an interview with a national television channel, the octogenarian Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, said he disagreed with Rahul on the issue, adding, “PM doesn’t do it.” He appeared to be distancing himself from the controversy surrounding the allegation.

It may be recalled that Rahul Gandhi on Friday alleged that his phone was being tapped and claimed that proof of the Prime Minister being under the control of “foreign powers” was already on his phone. He said he had received information about the alleged phone tapping from some Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials. Rahul had made similar allegations in the past but had failed to provide evidence to substantiate them.

Reacting to the allegation, Sam said, “PM doesn’t take a screwdriver and get on a computer. PM doesn’t do that.”

However, Pitroda added that he had good reason to believe that his own phone had also been tapped.

“My phone is tapped, my laptop is attacked, my bank accounts are under surveillance. I have consulted experts, and they have, after examining my devices, cautioned me about tapping,” Pitroda said, refusing to identify who he believed was behind the alleged surveillance.

Soon after Gandhi raised the phone-tapping issue, the BJP hit back by recalling allegations of surveillance involving senior ministers during the UPA regime. The Congress, meanwhile, demanded an investigation to establish the truth.

The controversy surrounding the alleged surveillance or bugging of senior ministers during the UPA regime primarily dates back to an incident involving the then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee in 2011.