‘Big Brother’ always listening to politicians’ phone calls in ‘new’ India: Vice President candidate Margaret Alva

New Delhi, July 26

Opposition Vice Presidential candidate Margaret Alva has alleged that politicians’ calls are being monitored by the “Big Brother”, in an apparent reference to the government.

Alva had earlier said she has been unable to make or receive calls after she spoke to some “friends in the BJP”.

Since then, Alva alleged that calls to her mobile were being diverted.

“The fear that ‘Big Brother’ is always watching and listening permeates all conversations between politicians across party lines in ‘new’ India. MPs and leaders of parties carry multiple phones, frequently change numbers and talk in hushed whispers when they meet. Fear kills democracy,” she said in a tweet.

On Monday night, she tweeted addressing the two government-owned telecom companies. “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 wrote.

Alva will be pitted against former West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar for the post of Vice President.