The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp counterattack on the Congress party on Tuesday, following allegations from the opposition that the government was infringing on citizen privacy by directing smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi application on new devices.
BJP's Veiled Jabs and Fraud Security Claims
Addressing the media at the BJP headquarters, party MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra dismissed the Congress's concerns. In a pointed remark, he stated, "I know who will delete it… 'Chor ki daadhi mein tinka'." Patra also made an indirect reference to the National Herald case, implicating Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. "You know very well who they are. An FIR has also been filed against them. They have swindled Rs 5,000 crore. At present, they are out on bail," he said, as reported by PTI.
Defending the government's directive, Patra emphasized that the Sanchar Saathi app is designed for user protection, not surveillance. He clarified that the application cannot read messages or listen to calls, and it does not breach personal data. "The app is designed to protect users from fraud and crime, not to monitor them," Patra asserted, adding that people are free to uninstall it if they do not wish to use it. He highlighted its utility in checking fraud, tracking stolen mobile phones, and facilitating their return to owners.
Congress's 'Dictatorial' Allegations and Government Rebuttal
The Congress party had earlier accused the government of adopting a "dictatorial" approach, labeling Sanchar Saathi a "snooping app" and demanding the directive's withdrawal. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged the move was an attempt to "strangulate the voice of the people."
Responding to Kharge's charge, Sambit Patra retorted, "Mr Kharge, it is not meant to strangulate people's voice but to secure their voice, and their mobile phones, without which life is difficult today. We need to secure the device. That is why the government has brought this app." He further accused the Congress of consistently spreading misinformation.
Official Clarification on App Functionality
Adding to the defense, Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia provided a technical clarification. He stated that the Sanchar Saathi app would remain completely dormant on a device unless a user actively registers on it. He also reinforced that the application can be deleted by users at any time, underscoring the voluntary nature of its use.
The political row underscores the ongoing tension between the ruling party and the opposition over issues of digital privacy, security, and government oversight in an increasingly connected India.
