Has the govt bought Pegasus? Answer in 'yes' or 'no': Rahul Gandhi

13:28 July 28

New Delhi:Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, after a meeting with the United Opposition, sought to know whether the government had bought Pegasus, the Israeli software whose parent company claims it sells the spyware only to government agencies for security purposes.  

"We want to ask just one question. Has the Government of India bought Pegasus? Yes or No. Did the government use Pegasus weapon against its own people? We have been told clearly by the government that no discussion will take place on Pegasus in the House. Today, the entire Opposition is standing here. We have to come here because our voices are being suppressed in Parliament.  Our only question is whether the Central government has bought Pegasus? Has it used the spyware to snoop on its own people," Gandhi questioned.  

Speaking further, Gandhi said, "The Centre has said it clearly that there will be no discussion on Pegasus. I want to ask the nation... Modi has put a weapon against the judiciary, activists, journalists... then what is the reason that there is no discussion being held on that?" adding, he the Opposition was only fulfilling its responsibilities.

Slamming the Modi government, the Congress scion said the Centre had used the spyware, that should ideally be used to spy on terrorists, was being used against the country's democratic institutions. He said the issues of Pegasus is a matter related to nationalism and treason. "This weapon has been used against democracy. For me, it's not a matter of privacy. I see it as an anti-national act. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have attacked the soul of India's democracy," Gandhi said.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that the entire Opposition is and will remain united on the issues of national security and farm laws.

On the other hand, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi MP Thol Thirumavalavan said, "We just have two demands, one is to have an elaborate discussion on Pegasus in both the houses and second is to have a Supreme Court-monitored judicial enquiry." "Government is very adamant on their stand which is not a good approach to save the democracy. The ruling party should give respect to opposition parties," he added.