Akhilesh Yadav Criticizes BJP Over Privacy Concerns with Sanchar Saathi App
Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav has voiced strong opposition against the BJP's Sanchar Saathi app, alleging it infringes on citizens' privacy and freedom of expression. He claims the ruling party is intensifying surveillance, intruding into personal spaces. In contrast, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has clarified that using the app is entirely voluntary, allowing users the freedom to activate or uninstall it at their discretion. This political clash highlights ongoing tensions regarding privacy rights and governmental oversight in India.
| Dec 2, 2025, 16:39 IST
Political Critique on Privacy Issues
On Tuesday, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp political critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the activation of the Sanchar Saathi app on mobile devices. He claimed that the ruling party is intensifying surveillance on citizens, even intruding into their private spaces. In a post shared on X, Yadav accused the BJP of not only curbing freedom of expression but also jeopardizing the confidentiality of conversations within homes and families.
In his post, Yadav remarked that those with a history of espionage cannot refrain from spying. He stated that under the BJP government, freedom of expression has already been compromised, and now the interactions among families, relatives, and friends will also be under the watchful eyes of BJP members and their associates. He emphasized that the public has decided they do not want the BJP government anymore.
Earlier today, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that activating the Sanchar Saathi app on mobile devices is entirely voluntary. He stressed that users can utilize or uninstall the app at any time, just like any other application. Scindia reiterated that neither installing nor activating the app is mandatory.
Addressing reporters outside Parliament, he emphasized that users have complete autonomy; those who do not wish to use the app are free to refrain from registration and can remove it whenever they choose. The minister stated, "If you want to activate it, go ahead. If you prefer not to, then don’t. You can remove it if you wish. It’s entirely your choice." Scindia insisted that misinformation should not overshadow the consumer protection benefits of the app, noting that it has helped prevent ₹22,800 crores in financial fraud in 2024.