Sri Vijaya Puram, June 25: A political controversy intensified in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Tuesday after Congress leaders cited a purported leaked audio conversation allegedly involving BJP State President Anil Tiwari and BJP State Secretary Anshuman Roy, prompting demands for accountability, a police investigation, and explanations from the BJP leadership.
Addressing a press conference, former BJP member Aziz-Ur-Rahman alleged that the leaked audio exposed what he described as unethical dealings linked to the healthcare sector. He claimed the conversation suggested assurances of business growth in exchange for financial support, and questioned whether private interests were influencing healthcare-related decisions in the Islands.
Aziz-Ur-Rahman further linked the controversy to concerns over the functioning of G.B. Pant Hospital, alleging that deficiencies in healthcare infrastructure were continuing while political leaders focused on personal interests. He questioned the silence of senior BJP leaders and workers on the issue and demanded that Anil Tiwari either resign or issue a public apology within 48 hours.
Warning of public agitation if no action is taken, he said protests, gheraos and participation from various unions could follow. He also appealed to the Prime Minister and the local Member of Parliament to take cognizance of the matter. In addition, he raised concerns regarding road conditions, water shortages and the stray pig menace, which he attributed to administrative failures.
Aziz-Ur-Rahman stated that he was prepared to present what he described as the original audio recording publicly to establish its authenticity and urged BJP workers and elected representatives to hold the party leadership accountable.
The controversy was further amplified by Congress functionary M.A Sajid, who alleged that the purported audio conversation involved discussions related to hospital-linked business activities and financial matters. Sajid claimed the recording pointed to unethical practices within the health sector and accused certain BJP leaders of using the sector for personal gain.
Responding to separate allegations reportedly made against him by Anshuman Roy, including accusations of drug supply and threats, Sajid categorically denied the claims and described them as false and unsupported by evidence. He said he had submitted a complaint to the Director General of Police seeking registration of an FIR against Roy and demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged irregularities in the healthcare sector. He also questioned reports that names of intelligence agencies were being misused to spread misinformation.
At the centre of the controversy are Congress allegations that critically ill patients requiring treatment outside the Islands are being directed toward expensive air ambulance and medical transfer services. Congress leaders claimed that families often incur heavy financial burdens to arrange such transfers and alleged that an ecosystem benefiting from referrals has developed around healthcare shortcomings.
The party further alleged that deficiencies at G.B. Pant Hospital, including shortages of specialists and the absence of key diagnostic facilities, force patients to seek treatment outside the Islands, thereby sustaining what it described as a referral-based business model. Congress leaders claimed the leaked audio appeared to support concerns about links between political figures and healthcare-related financial interests.
However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
Responding to the charges, Anshuman Roy rejected the allegations in their entirety and described them as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his reputation through what he termed an edited audio clip.
Roy stated that the conversation referred to by Congress was a private discussion with BJP State President Anil Tiwari concerning organisational matters and preparations for International Yoga Day. According to him, the discussion centred on responsibilities assigned to him within the party and had no connection to any healthcare business.
He categorically denied involvement in any medical referral racket or financial irregularity. Roy said his role has been limited to assisting critically ill patients in obtaining transportation and medical referrals when required.
Challenging his critics, he asked Congress leaders to produce evidence or a single patient who could demonstrate that he had accepted money in exchange for assistance. Roy maintained that he, along with several social and political workers, regularly helps patients with medicines, food, hospital arrangements and emergency transfers, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
He further accused the Congress party of attempting character assassination and engaging in political attacks instead of focusing on public issues.
As of Wednesday night, neither Anil Tiwari nor the BJP’s state leadership had publicly responded to the specific allegations raised during the Congress press conference. The controversy is expected to intensify as opposition leaders continue to press for investigations and the BJP maintains that the allegations are politically motivated.
Editor’s Note: The allegations reported above were made by Congress leaders during a press conference. They remain disputed by Anshuman Roy, who has denied all wrongdoing. No independent investigation have yet established the authenticity of the purported audio recording.
