New Delhi [India], December 2 : After the second day of the Winter Session of Parliament, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the government of avoiding critical debates, alleging that issues of national concern, particularly the stress-induced deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the ongoing SIR process, are being deliberately sidelined.
Speaking outside the Parliament, Chaturvedi said to ANI, "Parliament session is done as per the timeline. You filled all your business in that timeline. We are saying that a certain agenda is important, the manner in which the SIR is ongoing, and BLOs are being given such heavy targets that they are dying from stress. That should be a matter of discussion."
Accusing the government of deliberately avoiding scrutiny, she added, "They don't want to do this because 'chor ki daadhi mein tinka hain'. If it is discussed, all their lies will be exposed. So, we walked out as they are running away from the discussion."
The Shiv Sena (UBT) MP also strongly criticised the government's directive mandating the Sanchar Saathi app, calling the official clarification "absolutely wrong".
Earlier today, Jyotiraditya Scindia had asserted that activating the Sanchar Saathi app on mobile handsets is not mandatory, and it is entirely up to consumers to use it or delete it like any other app.
On this clarification, Chaturvedi said, "The clarification is absolutely wrong. They are saying that its function should not be restricted, and it should not be disabled
"If what the Minister is saying is true, then the notification should be withdrawn, and a fresh notification should be issued, and an apology must be offered to the country," she added.
Earlier today, Chaturvedi shared a copy of the directive by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and wrote on X, "I will request the Telecom Minister of India to read the notification before calling it an 'unnecessary controversy'. Read page 2, point 7 B. It is clearly written in it that the app's functionality is neither disabled nor restricted."
Earlier today, addressing reporters outside Parliament, Scindia stressed that users retain full autonomy; those who do not wish to use the app are free not to register, and they may also delete it at any time. "If you want to activate it, do so. If you do not want to activate it, don't. Delete it if you wish. It is entirely your choice," said the minister.
Scindia emphasised that misinformation should not overshadow the app's consumer-protection benefits, noting that the platform has contributed to preventing financial frauds amounting to Rs 22,800 crore in 2024.
"Opposition doesn't have any agenda (mudda), and they want to find out agenda (mudda). We can't help the Opposition," Scindia said.
Rejecting allegations of surveillance, Scindia stated unequivocally that the app contains no provisions for snooping or call monitoring.
The Opposition's staunch attack came after the DoT instructed manufacturers and importers to pre-install the app in the mobile handsets and ensure the app is visible and accessible, and functionalities are not disabled or restricted. For devices already on the market, companies have been asked to push the app via software updates.
According to the Ministry of Telecommunication, the directions issued on November 28 aim to safeguard citizens from purchasing non-genuine handsets, enable easy reporting of suspected telecom misuse, and improve the effectiveness of the Sanchar Saathi initiative.