Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday, 2 November, reacted to the ‘snoopgate’ controversy, saying, “These activities are not only illegal and unconstitutional, they are shameful.”
She also alleged that the Israeli Pegasus software was “acquired by the Modi government”.
Her comments came after Facebook-owned WhatsApp said Indian journalists and human rights activists were among those globally spied upon by unnamed entities using Israeli spyware Pegasus, leading to a furore over breach of citizens’ privacy.
Gandhi’s comments were retorted in a tweet by BJP working president JP Nadda, who asked her to reveal “who at 10 Janpath” had authorised snooping on former President Pranab Mukherjee when he was a minister under the UPA government.
10 Janpath is the official residence of Sonia Gandhi.
Gandhi also attacked the BJP over the current economic slowdown. She said that the weakening of institutions, withholding data, tampering with statistics have resulted in erosion of India’s economic credibility.
“Instead of acknowledging slowdown and looking for a solution, PM Modi is busy managing headlines and events,” she was quoted by PTI as saying.
The Congress chief also particularly targeted the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) saying it will result in “untold hardship for farmers, shopkeepers, small and medium enterprises” and will deal a “body-blow” to the economy.
“GDP growth is at only 5 percent in the first quarter. Unemployment levels at 8.5 percent is disturbing. Recent studies now suggest demonetization, GST and subsequent economic decisions of Modi government resulted in unprecedented loss of 9 million jobs during last 6 years.”Sonia Gandhi, as quoted by ANI
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