Pegasus row: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar demands probe, JD(U) first BJP ally to do so

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. File Pic

Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar on Monday demanded an investigation into the Pegasus spyware scandal.

"A probe should be done, indeed. We have been hearing about telephone tapping for so many days, the matter should be discussed (in Parliament). People (Opposition) have been reiterating (for talks) for so many days, it should be done," Kumar said when asked if the matter should be investigated.

While Opposition parties have mounted an attack on the central government pressing it to conduct a discussion on the issue in Parliament, this is the first time that an ally of the BJP has demanded an investigation into the scandal. JD(U) is a coalition partner of the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the Centre.

Addressing reporters in Patna, the Bihar CM also echoed the Opposition's demand for a discussion on the issue in the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

He said that people know only what's been said in the Parliament and what the media is showing, but to know the whole truth, the matter should be probed.

"In today's time, people can misuse technology. There should be a probe so that this can't be misused to exploit anybody. If the Opposition is demanding discussion for so many days, then there should be a discussion on the matter," Kumar said.

Meanwhile, both houses of the Parliament were adjourned for the day amid the Opposition's demand over discussion on the alleged use of Pegasus spyware to snoop on journalists, politicians and other eminent personalities.

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