Tue Dec 02 10:04:53 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BJP Dismisses Surveillance Concerns Over Sanchar Sathi App
NEW DELHI – December 2, 2025 – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today vehemently refuted allegations that the Sanchar Sathi mobile application will be used for citizen surveillance, branding such claims as “misinformation” spread by the Congress party and other opposition groups.
Speaking at a press conference, BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra asserted that the app’s sole purpose is to enhance mobile phone security and protect users, not to access personal data. Patra highlighted the app’s successes, claiming it has identified approximately 1.75 crore fraudulent mobile connections, located nearly 26 lakh stolen or missing phones, and recovered 7.5 lakh devices.
“Sanchar Sathi cannot read messages, listen to calls, or extract personal data,” Patra stated, directly addressing concerns about forced adoption. He reiterated the government’s position that installation is optional and the app can be deleted at will.
The BJP spokesperson outlined the app’s features, which include reporting suspicious calls and spam, tracking lost phones, detecting IMEI duplication for criminal activity, identifying fraudulent mobile numbers, and flagging spoofed international calls. The app also provides verified helpline numbers for essential services. Patra emphasized that Sanchar Sathi operates without any passive monitoring or hidden background activities.
Patra emphasized that the app was developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders in response to the rising instances of IMEI duplication, SIM misuse, cyber fraud, and crimes involving fraudulently obtained mobile numbers.
Responding to criticism from Congress party leader Mallikarjun Kharge, Patra labeled the opposition as “Dushprachar Sathi” (misinformation companions). He argued that the app’s development was not unilateral, and that the Modi government values stakeholder input. Patra also reminded the public that the Supreme Court had dismissed previous allegations from the Congress regarding the Pegasus issue.
Patra criticized the behavior of Congress leaders in Parliament, stating, “There should be meaningful debate, not mere exchange of accusations.” He affirmed the government’s willingness to discuss all matters of public interest in Parliament.
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