Congress leads Opposition strategy on Pegasus; Kharge, top leaders move adjournment notices in Rajya Sabha

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 20

The joint opposition on Tuesday raised slogans demanding urgent discussion in Rajya Sabha on the allegations of snooping on politicians, judges, journalists and activists with the House witnessing the first adjournment of the day till noon.

All major opposition parties, including the Congress, NCP and TMC, have given adjournment notices to discuss what they have described as a serious breach of security.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge earlier on Tuesday hosted opposition leaders, including NCP chief Sharad Pawar and TMC floor leader Derek O Brien, in his chambers to evolve a joint strategy on Pegasus.

Kharge personally gave a notice for adjournment of Rajya Sabha proceedings to discuss the spying charges.

Moving the suspension of business notice under Rule 267, Kharge said, “The House should discuss the recent allegations in the media of the Government carrying out spying and online surveillance of several senior Opposition leaders, constitutional authorities, reporters and activists using the Israeli software Pegasus and which could have grave implications for the right to privacy of  individuals guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.