Surjewala Accuses Govt of Creating ‘Surveillance State’ Through Mandatory Sanchar Saathi App

By A Staff Reporter

Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over its directive mandating the installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on all smartphones, alleging that the move is transforming India into a “surveillance state.” Speaking in Delhi, Surjewala claimed the government’s order requires cellphone manufacturers and importers to pre-install the app on new devices and also push it onto existing smartphones through a software update.

Detailing his concerns, Surjewala said the order further states that the app “can neither be amended nor deleted,” raising fears of unrestricted access to private data. “The government can now track every activity of the smartphone user using the Sanchar Saathi app,” he alleged. “The government can possibly listen to all your conversations. The government will have all your call and chat records. Your financial transactions will also be available to the government, including your private photographs.”

He warned of the potential consequences if the app were to be compromised. “God forbid, if an international hacker hacks the Sanchar Saathi app, then there will be a huge data breach,” he said, calling the move unlawful and imposed without public consent. Surjewala questioned whether any consultation with stakeholders had taken place, saying, “Was there any discussion? No.”

The Congress MP said he has formally raised the issue in Parliament and demanded clear answers from the government. He argued that if the app could not be deleted, the intention behind making it mandatory must be explained. “If there is a data breach, will the minister take ownership? Will he be accountable?” he asked.

Escalating his criticism, Surjewala accused the government of pushing India toward authoritarianism. “India is being transformed into a fascist country like North Korea,” he said, urging the Centre to withdraw the mandate and uphold citizens’ privacy rights.