Monsoon session begins: Opposition raises Pegasus storm in Parliament

The Monsoon session of Parliament has begun amid the Pegasus phone controiversy. Opposition is cornering the govt over the reports that that phone numbers of Indian ministers, leaders in the opposition, and journalists were found on a database of targets for hacking that used Israeli spyware 'Pegasus.

The Central government has denied involvement in the hacking, saying: "The allegations regarding government surveillance on specific people has no concrete basis or truth associated with it whatsoever."

The opposition is also prepared to corner the govt over a host of issues including handling of the second wave of Covid-19, rise in fuel prices and farmers’ protests.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday told an all-party meeting that the government was ready for a healthy and meaningful discussion on various issues in Parliament.

Also watch: Farmers prepare for Parliament protests, hold meeting with Delhi Police

The PM told the floor leaders that according to the country’s traditions of healthy democracy, issues concerning the people should be raised in an amicable manner and the government should be given an opportunity to respond to these discussions.

Several opposition parties are planning to move adjournment notices in both Houses of Parliament on Monday over farmers’ protests.

Also watch: Sonia Gandhi rejigs Congress parliamentary groups, dissenting leaders included

Prime Minister Modi will address MPs of both the Houses — Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha — on July 20 and speak on the pandemic.