Nagpur, Oct 25 (HS):
Maharashtra Revenue Minister and former BJP state chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule has clarified his recent statement claiming that “everyone’s mobile phones and WhatsApp accounts are under surveillance,” saying his remarks were misunderstood.
Speaking at a BJP event on October 23, Bawankule had said that all phones and WhatsApp accounts were being “watched,” triggering sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, who demanded his arrest under the Indian Telegraph Act.
Responding to the controversy on Friday, Bawankule said his comments referred only to BJP’s internal monitoring system. “One lakh WhatsApp groups of BJP booth chiefs are connected to our party’s war room. The work done by our workers and their comments are reviewed internally to strengthen coordination and communication,” he clarified.
He added that the party monitors discussions to ensure that government schemes and welfare initiatives are effectively communicated to the public. “We only track the performance and coordination of our workers. Party workers are well aware of this system,” he said.
Dismissing Raut’s allegations, Bawankule questioned, “Who is Sanjay Raut to decide what happens within our party? We only aim to spread positivity and improve communication.”
The minister also spoke about the upcoming local and civic body elections, expressing confidence that the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance would secure over 51% of votes across Zilla Parishads and Municipal Corporations.
He said a three-member committee had been formed in each district to manage seat-sharing among alliance partners and prevent internal disputes.
Bawankule further claimed that many Congress leaders are looking to join the BJP, citing “lack of communication” and “internal rifts” within the Congress. “In BJP, any worker can meet senior leaders. That openness doesn’t exist in Congress,” he said.
Calling for unity within the ruling alliance, Bawankule urged Mahayuti workers to avoid targeting each other. “Some personal rivalries are creating confusion. Everyone must remember who the real opponents are,” he added.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
