Patna: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Friday claimed that tapping of phones was a “reality” in the country, and that his own phone was under surveillance when the Pegasus controversy had come to the fore a few years ago.
Kishor was replying to queries from journalists on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of his phone being “tapped by the Prime Minister”.
“Phones do get tapped. This has been going on for some time. It is a reality that the people need to be aware of. I came to learn about my own phone being tapped when my name figured among the targets of Pegasus,” said Kishor, who was a poll strategist when reports of alleged surveillance with the help of the spyware developed in Israel had surfaced.
Upping the ante over his debate dare to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi on Friday alleged that he has proof of allegations against the PM on his phone.
Responding to a question during an ‘Ask Me’ session on Instagram about why he was insisting on a public debate when the BJP has said that the exchange can take place in Parliament, Gandhi said he was not allowed to speak in the House, and his microphone was even switched off.
Replying to another query during the session, the Congress leader claimed that the proof of all his allegations is on his phone, “which is tapped by the prime minister”.
While Congress allies like Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party chief, have backed the claim, leaders of the BJP like its Kerala unit president Rajeev Chandrashekhar have advised Gandhi to “get his head examined”.
Kishor was also asked about his cordial meeting, a day ago, with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary at the “shraddh” of veteran BJP leader Ravindra Kishore Sinha, who passed away recently.
The Bankipur MLA, who has been targeting Choudhary over alleged criminal antecedents and “doubtful” academic credentials, said,
“As a member of the state legislature, there would be many occasions when I would be calling on the CM to discuss issues concerning my constituency”.
“Moreover, being courteous during occasions like a funeral is a part of our culture, our tradition. Why should I be expected to be uncivil towards the chief minister in public?” said Kishor.
On the BJP government naming a bridge, to be inaugurated by the PM next week, after Nitish Kumar, a former Bihar chief minister, Kishor said that it makes no difference on whose name a project is christened.
“But, I hope the PM realises that bridges, roads and trains are not all that is needed in the state. His party rules Bihar, and creating jobs is something that needs attention,” the Jan Suraaj Party founder said.
