Maharashtra: Row erupts after BJP minister tells party workers their ‘phones are under watch’

A politicfal row has erupted in Maharashtra after state minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule told party workers on Thursday that their mobile phones and WhatsApp groups are being monitored ahead of the local body elections, The Indian Express reported.

The revenue minister warned the workers against making “careless” remarks or participating in any rebellion.

After receiving backlash for his comments, Bawankule on Friday clarified that he was referring to the BJP reviewing comments made by its workers in the party’s WhatsApp groups, The Times of India reported.

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) described the BJP leader’s statements as a breach of privacy and law, and demanded his arrest, The Times of India reported. The Opposition party also claimed that political opponents of the BJP were similarly being surveilled.

On Thursday, Bawankule made the claims while speaking at an event organised by the BJP in Bhandara district.

“Everyone’s mobile phones and WhatsApp groups are under surveillance,” The Indian Express quoted the minister as saying. “Every word you speak is being monitored. A single wrong button on your phone can destroy the next five years.”

Discontent over ticket distribution should not translate into public outbursts or indiscipline, Bawankule said, adding that “the doors of leadership” would be closed to party members who rebelled.

The BJP leader urged restraint and unity, adding that “a single mistake or...

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