Phone tapping is a reality in India: Prashant Kishor on Rahul's claims

Patna: Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor on Friday claimed that tapping of phones was a "reality" in the country, and that his own phone was under surveillance when the Pegasus controversy had come to the fore a few years ago.

The Bankipur MLA also bristled when journalists asked him about a cordial meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, of whom he is a strident critic, saying exchanging pleasantries with the BJP leader "will not make me treat him as a PhD holder instead of a Class-7 fail".

"Phones do get tapped. This has been going on for some time. It is a reality that the people need to be aware of. I came to learn about my own phone being tapped when my name figured among the targets of Pegasus," said Kishor, who was a poll strategist when reports of alleged surveillance with the help of the spyware developed in Israel had surfaced.

Gandhi, upping the ante over his debate dare to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday alleged that he has proof of allegations against the PM on his phone.

Responding to a question during an 'Ask Me' session on Instagram about why he was insisting on a public debate when the BJP has said that the exchange can take place in Parliament, Gandhi said he was not allowed to speak in the House, and his microphone was even switched off.

Replying to another query during the session, the Congress leader claimed that the proof of all his allegations is on his phone, "which is tapped by the prime minister".

While Congress allies like Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party chief, have backed the claim, leaders of the BJP like its Kerala unit president Rajeev Chandrashekhar have advised Gandhi to "get his head examined".

On Kishor's meeting with the CM a day ago at the "shraddh" of veteran BJP leader Ravindra Kishore Sinha, who passed away recently, the Jan Suraaj Party founder said, "As a member of the state legislature, there would be many occasions when I would be calling on the chief minister to discuss issues concerning my constituency".

Kishor has been targeting Choudhary over alleged criminal antecedents and "doubtful" academic credentials.

"Moreover, being courteous during occasions like a funeral is a part of our culture, our tradition. Why should I be expected to be uncivil towards the chief minister in public?" the Bankipur MLA said.

"Just because I shook hands with Samrat Choudhary does not mean I will henceforth treat him as a 'rishi' (sage). Nor will I begin to call him a PhD holder instead of a Class-7 fail," Kishor said.

Courtesies must have a place in public life, Kishor said, asserting that he was working for the uplift of Bihar.

"And, I have been criticising all those whom I have found wanting on this count. This was the case with my criticism of Lalu Prasad and Nitish Kumar (former CMs). Same holds true for my stance towards Samrat Choudhary," he said.

On the BJP government naming a bridge - to be inaugurated by the PM next week - after JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar, Kishor, who was formerly with the party, said it was of little consequence.

"But, I hope the PM realises that bridges, roads and trains are not all that is needed in the state. His party rules Bihar, and creating jobs is something that needs attention," the Jan Suraaj Party founder added.

(This story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)