Overview
- At a Diwali gathering in Bhandara, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told BJP workers their phones and WhatsApp groups were under watch and warned against public indiscipline over ticket allotments.
- He later clarified that roughly one lakh booth-level WhatsApp groups are linked to the BJP’s central war room for disseminating welfare information and reviewing cadre feedback, not for external surveillance.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused the BJP of unlawful interception, invoked Pegasus-type spying, and called for a case under the Indian Telegraph Act and Bawankule’s arrest.
- Bawankule dismissed the allegations as interference in internal party communications and said workers are aware their group comments are reviewed to guide party responses.
- The exchange unfolds ahead of long-delayed Maharashtra local body polls, postponed over OBC reservation and ward delimitation issues, with no police or judicial action reported as of October 25.