New Delhi,
There was a debate in the Lok Sabha yesterday on drug trafficking. In it, Congress member Gaurav Gogai said:-
What surveillance systems are in place at land and sea borders and international airports to prevent drug entry into India? Similarly, what monitoring measures are you taking to curb arms smuggling, human trafficking and animal parts smuggling along the India-Myanmar border? Spying on us again and again. You install ‘Pegasus’ software on our phones and journalists’ phones. How many drug mafias have you caught using that software so far? He said.
Irresponsible politics
Union Home Minister Amit Shah then intervened and severely reprimanded him. Amitsha said:-
A member has made a serious allegation that his cell phone is equipped with ‘Pegasus’. He has to submit the evidence to the council. If not, his words should be deleted.
This House, he said, is a place for thoughtful debate, not reckless politics.
Speaker advice
Gaurav Gokai looked at Speaker Ombirla and asked, “Are you using ‘Pegasus’ to spy?” Isn’t it? Did I ask that wrong? Speaker should decide that” he said.
Speaking again, Amit Shah said, “He says that his cell phone is equipped with ‘Pegasus’. It has to be proved. He should not speak like this. The Supreme Court has already ruled. “Like your leader, if you don’t study, we can’t do anything,” he said.
At that, Speaker Ombirla interrupted and advised that “the dignity of the House will be enhanced if members present their views with evidence”.