Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday launched a scathing attack against the BJP-led Central government over the Pegasus 'phone hacking' allegations. Seeking a probe into the matter, the Lok Sabha MP demanded the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah.
"They have used it politically, they've used it in Karnataka, they've used it to scuttle probes, they've used it against Supreme Court, they have used it against all the institutions of this country. The only word for this is treason. There is no other word for this," he alleged.
"Pegasus is classified by the Israeli state as a weapon and that weapon is supposed to be used against terrorists. The Prime Minister and Home Minister have used this against the Indian state and against our institutions," Gandhi added.
Over the last few days, as the Monsoon Session of Parliament started, the Congress has repeatedly hit out at the Centre over the allegations. Party leaders have held protests and even issued a notice to the Lok Sabha seeking discussion on the alleged surveillance operation.
For the uninitiated, recent reports had suggested that the military-grade malware from Israel-based NSO Group was being used to spy on journalists, human rights activists and political dissidents. According to an investigation undertaken by a global media consortium based on leaked targeting data, the list includes at least 300 verified mobile phone numbers from India. These belong to two serving ministers, over 40 journalists, three opposition leaders and one sitting judge, besides scores of business persons and activists.
Recent reports had suggested that Gandhi's name was on the purported list of targets. Speaking on Friday, the politician insisted that this was true. "I am not a 'potential target'. My phone is tapped, it is clearly tapped. Not only this phone, all my phones are tapped," he was quoted as telling reporters.
