Protests in Parliament over reports that homes of union ministers were bugged
New Delhi:
Reports that bugging devices were found in the home of union minister Nitin Gadkari caused fireworks in Parliament today as both houses adjourned within minutes after a four-day break.
The ruling BJP firmly rejected opposition demands for an investigation as Mr Gadkari issued his third denial in as many days, saying, "The reports are false and baseless."
In the Rajya Sabha, Rajnath Singh said, "I want to make it clear that media reports on bugging are absolutely untrue. It has been said that high-power listening devices were found in Nitin Gadkari's bedroom, he has himself dismissed the reports."
The statement was followed by even louder protests from the opposition benches.
"The House will have to discuss this. It is the question of an individual's privacy," Congress leader Anand Sharma said.
The shouting and chaos forced a 15-minute adjournment of the house. Later it adjourned again amid slogans of "We want JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee)" and "Gujarat model will not do" - a taunt at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged snooping scandals in Gujarat, the state he ruled for 13 years till he took power at the Centre in May.
In the Lok Sabha, the Congress, Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal United demanded that the question hour by suspended to take up the bugging case.
"The bugging issue is baseless. Doesn't Congress have any issues? They are desperate," Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
The controversy erupted after a report in The Sunday Guardian - founded by senior journalist MJ Akbar who joined the BJP earlier this year - said listening devices were found in Mr Gadkari's Delhi residence recently. The report referenced India's diplomatic row with the US over a revelation in leaked documents that America's National Security Agency or NSA was authorised to spy on the BJP in 2010.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is among the leaders who have called for a probe and a statement in Parliament.
"Mr Gadkari is silent but this is a very serious issue. It should be discussed. Nitin Gadkari is not a criminal or a terrorist," said Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati.
The ruling BJP firmly rejected opposition demands for an investigation as Mr Gadkari issued his third denial in as many days, saying, "The reports are false and baseless."
In the Rajya Sabha, Rajnath Singh said, "I want to make it clear that media reports on bugging are absolutely untrue. It has been said that high-power listening devices were found in Nitin Gadkari's bedroom, he has himself dismissed the reports."
The statement was followed by even louder protests from the opposition benches.
"The House will have to discuss this. It is the question of an individual's privacy," Congress leader Anand Sharma said.
The shouting and chaos forced a 15-minute adjournment of the house. Later it adjourned again amid slogans of "We want JPC (Joint Parliamentary Committee)" and "Gujarat model will not do" - a taunt at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleged snooping scandals in Gujarat, the state he ruled for 13 years till he took power at the Centre in May.
In the Lok Sabha, the Congress, Samajwadi Party and Janata Dal United demanded that the question hour by suspended to take up the bugging case.
"The bugging issue is baseless. Doesn't Congress have any issues? They are desperate," Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said.
The controversy erupted after a report in The Sunday Guardian - founded by senior journalist MJ Akbar who joined the BJP earlier this year - said listening devices were found in Mr Gadkari's Delhi residence recently. The report referenced India's diplomatic row with the US over a revelation in leaked documents that America's National Security Agency or NSA was authorised to spy on the BJP in 2010.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is among the leaders who have called for a probe and a statement in Parliament.
"Mr Gadkari is silent but this is a very serious issue. It should be discussed. Nitin Gadkari is not a criminal or a terrorist," said Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati.
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