Row over ‘bugging devices’ at Gadkari’s house

Minister dismisses it as speculative, Manmohan demands probe

NEW DELHI, 13/06/2014: Road Transport and Highways Shipping Minister, Nitin Gadkari at a discussion on river rejuvenation with Jal Jan Jodo Andolan in New Delhi 2014. Photo: Meeta Ahlawat

The controversy triggered by a newspaper report that highly sophisticated listening devices were planted at the residence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari could not be contained by an explanation from the Minister that stopped short of a complete denial.

After the Minister described the report as “highly speculative,” the Congress said the government must explain the issue in parliament and suggested that there was a trust deficit among ministerial colleagues.

“If ministers’ houses are bugged, then it is not a good omen. It should be investigated. How can it happen? It should be explained by the government in the House,” former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told journalists at an Iftar reception hosted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

BJP leaders remained tight-lipped, only saying it is for the government to confirm or deny the report, but pointed out that according to

> documents released by the U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden , a U.S. court had in 2010 authorised the country’s spy agencies to snoop on the BJP.

“We must wait for the government’s response on whether the report is true or not. As of now, it is speculation,” said Sidharth Nath Singh, BJP spokesperson.