The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations of government surveillance through the Sanchar Saathi application, firmly stating that the cybersecurity tool is designed for citizen protection and not for snooping. The political row erupted after the Centre directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the government-developed app.
Political Clash Over App's Purpose
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra held a press conference in New Delhi to address the accusations levelled by the Opposition Congress. Patra categorically denied that the app was intended for surveillance. "Does the government want to snoop on you through Sanchar Saathi? No, no, no," he asserted. "This app cannot read your messages, cannot listen to your calls — either the ones you receive or the ones that you make. Sanchar Saathi cannot access your personal data."
The Congress, however, has painted a different picture. Party MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, speaking outside Parliament, called the app "ridiculous" and a violation of the right to privacy. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge escalated the attack in a post on X, calling the pre-loading directive "akin to dictatorship" and part of a "long list of attempts by the BJP to strangulate the voice of the people." He also referenced the Pegasus scandal, alleging a pattern of surveillance.
What is the Sanchar Saathi App?
Sanchar Saathi is a portal and mobile application developed by the government to enhance mobile security. Its key features include:
- Tracking and blocking lost or stolen mobile phones using their unique IMEI number.
- Allowing users to check mobile connections registered in their name.
- Reporting suspected fraudulent communication through the 'Chakshu' facility.
Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified on Tuesday that the use of the app remains optional. "If you want to delete the app, you can, it is not mandatory... it will stay dormant," he stated, emphasizing its role in protecting citizens from digital fraud and theft.
Security vs. Surveillance: The Core Debate
In his rebuttal to Kharge, Sambit Patra sought to reframe the narrative around the app's initial 'S'. "Sorry, Mr Kharge…the ‘S’ is not for strangulation but for security. To secure the voice of the people," he said. The BJP's defence hinges on positioning Sanchar Saathi as a public utility for combating cybercrime and phone theft, a tool that generates a trace only when a blocked device is used.
The controversy underscores the ongoing tension between state-led security initiatives and individual privacy concerns in the digital age. While the government assures the app is a shield against fraud, the opposition warns of its potential as a surveillance instrument, setting the stage for continued political and public discourse on the issue.
