New Delhi, 7 January
The Congress on Friday accused the BJP of using an application called “Take Fog” to hijack key social media and encrypted messaging platforms, while seeking a response from the Center and the Supreme Court’s intervention in the matter.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Srinet accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the app to amplify its messages and agenda on social media and target people against the saffron party, including women journalists.
“The government is clearly joining hands with Tech Fog. The BJP in particular is joining hands with Tech Fog. But what is India’s IT and Telecom Minister doing? Why didn’t the ministry wake up to how serious the matter was?” he asked at a press conference here.
Shrinate said the government was previously denying the Pegasus espionage issue and today, the Supreme Court is looking into the dispute.
“I would urge the Supreme Court, as it is already dealing with the Pegasus case, to take suo moto cognizance of this report, as it targets Indian citizens and hurts the foundation of our democracy,” she said. ,” He said.
“I would urge the Supreme Court to look into this and punish the people behind it in no uncertain terms as no one should have the right or freedom to destroy India’s democracy,” the Congress leader said.
He alleged that some people associated with the app are office-bearers of BJP’s youth wing Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) and said the saffron party should come clean on the issue.
Shrinate cited media reports alleging that Tech Fog promotes hate speech, targets women, is abusive and helps spread lies and hate.
She alleged that the app was used to systematically target the Congress using hashtags after the Congress chief said that the party would stand by the laborers after the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The Congress leader said that Tablighi Jamaat was systematically targeted by Tech Fog and that is why the issue needs to be taken seriously as it hurts the foundation of India’s democracy. PTI