'Tapping' of phones: Congress says it is for Govt to explain

Congress today downplayed the the issue of alleged tapping of phones of several politicians, including those in power, and said it is for the government to explain.

Congress on Friday downplayed the the issue of alleged tapping of phones of several politicians, including those in power, and said it is for the government to explain.

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The party at the same time maintained that illegal phone tapping was unjustified.

"Illegal phone tapping is unjustified but in this case, it is for the government to explain whether phone tapping was done or not or whether it was legal or not," party spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said.

The Congress leader's remark comes in wake of reports in a weekly magazine alleging that government agencies have been tapping phones of important politicians and ministers since 2006.

Reacting to it, main Opposition BJP has said it will raise the issue in Parliament.

"If the government is tapping the phones of terrorists, or tax evaders or secessionists, then it is understandable as national interest and national security are involved. But tapping phones of politicians and ministers is condemnable," BJP Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha S S Ahluwalia said.

Ahluwalia insisted that this was violation of Article 21 of the Constitution which assures protection of life and personal liberty of every citizen.