The CPI(M) polit bureau on Sunday said that Parliament is disrupted due to the “obdurate refusal” of the Modi Government to discuss the issue of Pegasus spyware surveillance. More importantly, it is clear that the Government does not want to tell the truth and be accountable to the Parliament as ordained by our Constitution and Prime Minister Narendra Modi refuses to answer if the Government or any of its agencies have engaged the Israeli NSO weapon grade Pegasus spyware to be used for spying, said the CPI(M) in a statement.
“This is ominous. The attack is not only the violation of the fundamental right to privacy but it is an attack on institutions that act as vital checks and balances in a democracy and discharge their constitutional duties. Use of this spyware is tantamount to destroying democracy and its institutions,” said the CPI(M) polit bureau communiqué issued after the meeting held on Saturday.
The polit bureau also said that every State Government is reporting vaccine shortage and Central Government’s vaccine procurement has been “tardy” and gave three contradictory vaccine availability data to the Parliament on the same day. “The Modi Government must procure vaccines globally and launch a free universal mass vaccination drive across the country immediately.
“During the continuing pandemic and various lockdowns that are taking place the central government continues to assault people’s livelihood leading to galloping unemployment. Daily fuel price hikes have triggered an overall inflationary spiral that is eating into the vitals of people’s livelihood leading to growth of hunger and malnutrition. Under these circumstances, the Modi Government must immediately implement a direct cash transfer of Rs 7,500/- to all families not in the income tax paying bracket and distribute free food-kits for all needy,” said CPI(M) PB’s statements.
The PB meeting also urged that Central Government must ensure peace on the Asam-Mizo border.