Rajnath Singh refuses to be dragged into Nitin Gadkari controversy

Home Minister Rajnath Singh today refused to be dragged into the controversy over the alleged bugging of Nitin Gadkari's residence, saying the Union Minister himself has clarified that no snooping devices were found.

"Since Gadkari himself has denied, we have nothing to say on it," Singh told reporters here when asked whether the Home Ministry would initiate any probe into it. Media reports had said that high powered listening devices were found in the bedroom of the Road Transport and Highways Minister's Teen Murti Lane residence here.

Gadkari sought to dispel the reports yesterday by terming them as "highly speculative". As the controversy continues, Gadkari today made it clear that no snooping devices were found at his residence.

"As already stated, I reiterate that no devices were found at my residence anywhere," he tweeted. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday said the matter should be probed.

Congress said that the alleged bugging reflected "lack of faith and mutual trust" among ministers of the NDA Government.