Bengaluru: Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has refuted charges that the state government is hacking phones and asked why the government would do so when the legislators themselves have been responding to media questions.

In response to reporters’ questions on JD(S) President HD Kumaraswamy’s allegations of the Congress-led government hacking phones of its own legislators, Reddy clarified that the charges were baseless.

“Similar charges were made against the BJP government in the state as well as the Central government. When Kumaraswamy was Chief Minister, his government faced allegations of hacking the phone of a pontiff,” the minister cited.

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Bengaluru (PTI): The atmosphere in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp is much calmer than last year and players have a lot more understanding of their roles this season, says Krunal Pandya.

RCB won the Indian Premier League trophy for the first time in 18 years in 2025 and Pandya was the Man-of-the-Match in the final against Punjab Kings at Ahmedabad, returning 4-0-17-2 as RCB won the contest by six runs.

"I feel that this year there is a much calmer atmosphere. Last year it was a new team, and everyone got to know each other. This year many players understand their roles and each other's strengths and weaknesses," Pandya said in a release by the franchise.

"When I get into the big occasions, I feel that if God has got you here, then there is a reason behind it and sometimes I think that these big occasions are actually made for me. I feel the pressure, but I think about how I can be calm and in the present moment and do what is required," he said.

Pandya said RCB icon Virat Kohli would easily rank among the greatest players in any era of cricket.

"Virat is a classic example. You can see that hunger; you can see that passion in how he sees the game and how much he wants that victory. If Virat Kohli had been born in any (some other) generation, he would still be one of the greats. He is not competing with anyone else," he said.