New Delhi: Opposition’s Vice-Presidential candidate Margaret Alva Monday Opposition Vice Presidential candidate Margaret Alva has alleged that politicians’ calls are being monitored by “Big Brother”, in an apparent reference to the government.
This comes a day after she claimed that her phone calls were being diverted, hours after she had reached out to leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party to seek support for the upcoming elections. She said that she was unable to “make or receive calls”. BSNL took note of Alva’s complaint and filed an FIR regarding the same.
In a tongue-in-cheek comment, Alva promised government-owned telecom operator MTNL that she would not call any MP from the BJP, TMC or BJD tonight if it restores her phone.
Taking to Twitter, Alva posted a communication from Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) which said that her MTNL KYC had been suspended and her SIM card would be blocked within 24 hours.
Tagging the communication, Alva said, “Dear BSNL/ MTNL, After speaking to some friends in the BJP today, all calls to my mobile are being diverted and I’m unable to make or receive calls.”
“If you restore the phone. I promise not to call any MP from the BJP, TMC or BJD tonight,” she said.
You need my KYC now, she asked.
After Alva’s complaints, the Ministry of Telecom sources said to ANI, “Appropriate action has been taken in the complaint filed by Margaret Alva. BSNL has filed an FIR in the matter.”
Taking a jibe at the centre over the issue, Alva also said, “the fear that ‘Big Brother’ is always watching & listening permeates all conversations between politicians across party lines in ‘new’ India. MPs & leaders of parties carry multiple phones, frequently change numbers & talk in hushed whispers when they meet. Fear kills democracy.”
Alva has been fielded by the Opposition against the ruling NDA’s Jagdeep Dhankhar the governor of West Bengal who resigned from the post on July 18.