States » SouthPosted at: Nov 14 2026 9:05PM


Phone surveillance of Rahul Gandhi, visa denial to foreign delegates reflect Centre’s vindictive politics: KC Venugopal

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 14 (UNI) AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, MP, has accused the Narendra Modi government of pursuing a policy of political vendetta and intolerance, citing allegations of phone surveillance of Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the last-minute denial of visas to 115 foreign delegates invited to the Bharat Summit in Hyderabad.
In a Facebook post, Venugopal said the two developments, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, exposed the growing threats to democratic values, individual liberty and freedom of expression in the country.
Alleging that Rahul Gandhi was being subjected to continuous surveillance, he said tapping the phones of opposition leaders and prominent personalities was not new, but targeting the Leader of the Opposition in this manner amounted to a serious infringement of personal privacy and fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
He also questioned the Centre's decision to deny visas to 115 foreign participants scheduled to attend the Bharat Summit organised by the Telangana government in Hyderabad.
Among those denied visas was Norwegian journalist Helle Leng, who had questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on press freedom during his recent visit to Norway. The journalist was informed of the visa denial just ten minutes before her scheduled departure for Telangana, Venugopal said.
Describing the move as an instance of extreme vindictiveness, he sarcastically remarked that the Centre deserved an 'Oscar' for the act of denying her visa at the last moment.
The incident demonstrated the government's intolerance towards journalists who ask questions, while the Prime Minister appeared comfortable with programmes such as 'Mann Ki Baat', where no questions were raised, he alleged.
Accusing the Modi government of intimidating and attempting to control the media, Venugopal said such actions were damaging India's democratic reputation internationally. It was shameful that the leadership of the world's largest democracy appeared so apprehensive of questions and criticism, he added.
He further alleged that Modi and union Home Minister Amit Shah were weakening democratic institutions and undermining democratic processes through electoral malpractice and attempts to erode the autonomy of constitutional institutions.
Recalling Nehru's commitment to democratic values, Venugopal said India must remain a country where dissent, criticism and questioning have a legitimate place. No amount of phone surveillance or restrictions on freedom of movement would silence the Opposition's voice against the government's alleged anti-democratic actions, he asserted.
Democracy and freedom of expression would not be compromised under pressure from those in power, he added.
UNI DS
Tags: #Phone surveillance of Rahul Gandhi# visa denial to foreign delegates reflect Centre’s vindictive politics: KC Venugopal
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