Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took a swipe at the Modi government over the recent ban on the messaging app Telegram, comparing the move to "putting a lock on the victim's door instead of catching the thief."
Gandhi's Criticism
Speaking at a press conference, Gandhi said, "Instead of catching the thief, they just put a lock on the victim's door. That is what they have done with Telegram. They banned the app without addressing the real issues of cybercrime and data privacy."
The former Congress chief questioned the government's rationale, asking, "Why ban an entire platform when the problem is with specific misuse? This is a classic case of punishing everyone for the actions of a few."
Government's Stand
The government had earlier banned Telegram citing national security concerns and its alleged use by terrorists and criminals. However, critics argue that the ban is an overreach and infringes on freedom of speech.
Gandhi further alleged that the ban was a diversionary tactic. "Instead of tackling real issues like unemployment and inflation, the government is busy banning apps. This is a smoke screen to hide their failures," he said.
Political Reactions
The Congress leader's remarks have sparked a debate, with opposition parties echoing similar sentiments. The ruling BJP, however, defended the ban, stating it was necessary for national security.
Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said, "The ban on Telegram is based on credible intelligence inputs. The government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens."
Impact on Users
The ban has affected millions of Telegram users in India, who now face disruption in communication. Many have criticized the move, calling it an infringement on their digital rights.
In response, Telegram has stated that it is in compliance with Indian laws and is working to resolve the issues. The company has also assured users that their data remains secure.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will reconsider its decision or face further backlash from the opposition and civil society.
