BESA condemns the remarks of

Sh. Ananth Kumar Hegde, BJP MP Karnataka.

BESA strongly condemns the irresponsible and derogatory remarks such as anti-nationals passed publicly against the BSNL employees by Shri Ananth Kumar Hegde, BJP MP Karnataka. His remarks are not only unparliamentary but also defamatory for BSNL and its employees. His remarks have tarnished the image of BSNL and its employees. Whereas, the consecutive governments have deprived BSNL of 4G airwaves just for the purpose of giving undue advantage to Private Telecom Operators over BSNL.

It is only BSNL employees who have served the nation round the clock at the time of distress. Let’s remind all that BSNL services have remained up during Chennai and Kerala floods. BSNL Services have also remained up during Hudhud cyclone. The State Governments have appreciated the splendid services of BSNL. Above all, we do provide telecom services to strategic organizations in the country including Defence Services. All this we have been able to do despite the Government’s step-motherly treatment meted-out on BSNL. Thus, there arises no point of downplaying the importance of BSNL, which has been working without 4G airwave/services.

Therefore, we appeal to one and all that they should campaign for the allotment of 4G airwave to BSNL so that it could have level playing field in the market at par with other telecom operators.

And, we reiterate that Shri Hegde doesn’t enjoy any Parliamentary Privilege in respect of his defamatory remarks passed against BSNL and its employees. Therefore, he must apologize for his unparliamentary behavior.