Opposition: PM, Amit Shah must clarify if Govt of India bought Pegasus
Apart from the Congress and the Shiv Sena, the CPI and CPM, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the AAP, the DMK, the NCP, the National Conference and the Samajwadi Party took part in the meeting.
FollowCongress leader Rahul Gandhi along with other Opposition leaders on Wednesday held a joint press meet outside the Parliament and hit out the government on the Pegasus scandal, which has triggered protests and adjournments during the Monsoon Session. He said that Pegasus is a matter related to nationalism and treason and it has been used against democracy. Gandhi added that it is not a matter of privacy but an anti-national act and PM Modi and Amit Shah have attacked the soul of India's democracy.
While addressing the reporters outside the Parliament after 14 opposition parties met, he said, "We want to know from PM Narendra Modi and Amit Shah that why did they use this weapon (Pegasus spyware) against India's democratic institutions?"Â
"Has the Govt of India bought Pegasus? Yes or No? Did the Govt use Pegasus weapon against its own people?," he added.Â
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, who was part of the meeting, stressed the opposition is "united in our stand to protect issues of national security, democracy and farmers' welfare".
Apart from the Congress and the Shiv Sena, the CPI and CPM, the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the AAP, the DMK, the NCP, the National Conference and the Samajwadi Party took part in the meeting.
Earlier in the day, Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur lashed out at the Opposition and said Congress and TMC MPs tried not to let Parliament function. Expressing his disappointment, he said they can register their protest but within a limit. "They threw papers on Speaker, ministers & even at media gallery & showed placards. Why is the Opposition running away from discussions? Opposition trying to defame India across the world? We strongly condemn such acts," he added.
