Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of tapping his phone during an online Instagram interactive session on Friday, holding up his device and claiming he holds concrete proof against the Prime Minister.
However, Gandhi did not present any verifiable technical evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The remarks marked the seventh time in 12 days that Gandhi has publicly challenged PM Modi to a one-on-one debate on critical issues, including electoral processes, foreign influence, and national security. Gandhi insisted that a direct debate would settle questions regarding foreign control and anti-national claims once and for all.
This is not the first time the senior Congress leader has raised surveillance concerns. He previously alleged in 2023 that his phone and those of numerous other politicians were bugged using Pegasus software, and claimed intelligence officers warned him that his calls were being recorded. The Central government has consistently refuted these allegations.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have repeatedly dismissed Gandhi’s debate challenges, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman earlier questioning why he seeks external venues when Parliament is available for discussion.
