हंगामे के बावजूद काम निपटाने की कोशिश

सरकार ने जानकारी दी है कि महीने के अंत में होने वाले हफ्ते यानी 28-29 मार्च को भी संसद की बैठक के लिए प्रस्ताव है। कई महत्वपूर्ण बिलों के लिए इसी वीकेंड पर बैठक बुलाई जाएगी। विपक्षी सांसदों का हंगामा इस सत्र के दौरान लगातार देखने को मिला है। ऐसे में, सरकारी कामकाज को समय पर पूरा करने के लिए इस कदम को उठाया गया है।

छुट्टियों का असर

मार्च महीने में गुडी पड़वा, उगादी, ईद और रामनवमी जैसे त्योहारों की वजह से कई सरकारी छुट्टियां पड़ रही हैं। इसके चलते सरकार को लगता है कि वीकेंड पर भी संसद की बैठकों की आवश्यकता है। पिछले हफ्ते भी संसद की कार्यवाही पर हंगामे का असर रहा। दोनों सदनों में कार्यवाही बाधित होने के चलते विधायी कार्यों में देरी हो रही है।

सत्र का समय

बजट सत्र को दो चरणों में चलाया जा रहा है, जो 28 जनवरी से 2 अप्रैल तक है। इसका पहला चरण 28 जनवरी से 13 फरवरी तक चला, जबकि दूसरा चरण 9 मार्च से दो अप्रैल तक जारी रहेगा। सांसदों के हंगामे के कारण संसद की कार्यवाही आज यानी शुक्रवार को भी प्रभावित हुई।

स्पीकर का अपील

लोकसभा स्पीकर ओम बिरला ने हंगामा कर रहे विपक्षी सांसदों से अपील की है कि वे प्रश्नकाल को चलने दें। उन्होंने कहा, “आप कहते हैं कि बोलने का अवसर नहीं मिलता। लेकिन जब आपको बात रखने का मौका और समय दिया जाता है, तब आप बोलना नहीं चाहते। सदन में गतिरोध पैदा करना संसदीय मर्यादाओं के अनुसार नहीं है।”

सरकार का फोकस

सरकार कई महत्वपूर्ण मुद्दों को लेकर चिंतित है और चाहती है कि संसद में चर्चा और मतदान किया जा सके। इसलिए, वीकेंड पर बैठकों का प्रस्ताव विपक्ष के समक्ष रखा गया है। यह कदम विधायी कार्यों को सुगम बनाने के उद्देश्य से उठाया गया है, ताकि सभी सांसद मिलकर काम करके जनता की अपेक्षाओं को पूरा कर सकें।

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The post शनिवार-रविवार को भी बैठेगी संसद, केंद्र सरकार ने विपक्ष को भेजा प्रस्ताव appeared first on The CSR Journal.

Opposition Raises Alarm: “Snooping”, “Dictatorship”, “Big Brother”

Leading Opposition figures swiftly condemned the mandate, arguing that such compulsory installation undermines citizens’ privacy.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram was one of the first to question the order, declaring on social media, “This is Pegasus plus plus,” and warning that “Big Brother will take over our phone and pretty much our entire private lives.”

His remarks echoed across X, where “Pegasus” dominated the trends list as users speculated about potential surveillance. Posts ranged from alarmed to sarcastic. One user asked, “Government is now officially spying on people? Pegasus?” while another claimed, “Will save taxpayers a lot of money… This is true Swadeshi surveillance in Viksit Bharat.”

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal criticised the directive even more sharply, stating, “A pre-loaded government app that cannot be uninstalled is a dystopian tool to monitor every Indian.” He argued that the order violates Article 21, adding, “Big Brother cannot watch us.”

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also accused the government of creeping authoritarianism. “It is a snooping app… They are turning this country into a dictatorship in every form,” she said, emphasising that privacy is essential for ordinary communication.

Her colleague Renuka Chowdhury linked the controversy to earlier allegations of phone surveillance, saying, “They brought in Pegasus and have been unable to keep it under control… This is the real violation of National Security.”

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, while less confrontational, stressed that such tools should not be imposed on citizens. “These apps can be useful provided they are voluntary… Making anything compulsory in a democracy is troubling,” he said.

What Exactly Is Sanchar Saathi?

Sanchar Saathi is a government-built digital security platform designed to assist mobile users through a collection of services offered via an app and website. Its capabilities include:

• reporting suspicious calls or messages
  

• checking whether a device is counterfeit through IMEI details
  

• helping block and track lost phones
  

• listing all numbers registered in a person’s name
  

• enabling reporting of potentially fraudulent links or international calls

The app incorporates the Chakshu feature, which allows people to report cyberfraud attempts so authorities can intervene early.

Why People Are Worried

Although Sanchar Saathi is not spyware and does not operate like Pegasus, privacy advocates say the mandatory installation raises legitimate concerns because of the broad system permissions the app requires. These include access to:

• call and SMS logs
  

• the camera
  

• stored photos and files
  

• network and device location data
  

• SMS-sending capability

Such permissions generally help with fraud reporting, IMEI scanning, and lost-phone recovery. But critics argue that compulsory, non-removable apps with extensive access create opportunities for misuse especially when the app is controlled by the state.

Government’s Rationale

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has defended the directive as a measure to counter IMEI-related fraud and to improve mobile security. The agency described Sanchar Saathi as a “citizen-centric initiative” aimed at protecting users from counterfeit phones and online scams. The DoT has required that the app must remain visible during initial device setup and cannot be disabled to ensure its intended functions work.

Public Pushback Continues

Despite the government’s assurances, many users felt blindsided by the sudden order and questioned the need for a compulsory system-level installation when the service could simply be optional. The online reaction dominated by references to Pegasus reflects widespread unease about digital privacy in India.

The post Phones Under Watch? Critics Slam Govt’s Sanchar Saathi Order as Privacy Alarm Grows appeared first on The CSR Journal.

Heated Exchange Over Tata Motors Exit

Engaging in a heated exchange with a section of the audience, the Chief Minister dismissed her critics as left-wing and ultra-left elements. In a strong rebuttal, she accused them of harbouring a “communal and autocratic mindset.” Some members of the audience directly questioned her role in Tata’s exit from West Bengal, even labelling her a liar. Banerjee, in response, retorted, “I have not lied. I will offer you sweets.”

RG Kar Medical College Controversy Raised

The controversy surrounding RG Kar Medical College also surfaced during the event. Given the subject of her speech—women’s empowerment and social progress—the issue was anticipated to arise. However, Banerjee, known for her combative political stance, was prepared. She dismissed the discussion as a “sub judice matter” and cautioned against turning the academic forum into a political battleground. “This is not a political stage. Do not misuse it as a theatre for political drama,” she asserted.

Criticism of Political Motivations

Accusing some questioners of acting on behalf of political parties, Banerjee directly addressed them: “Tell your party not to engage in cheap politics. You may insult me, but do not disrespect your institution. I stand for unity, but you exhibit an authoritarian attitude. Opposition is natural, and I welcome it—it only fuels my enthusiasm.”

Debate on Industrialisation and Communal Politics

Beyond the controversy, Banerjee also faced sharp questions regarding industrialisation, investment, communal politics, and alleged appeasement policies. Nonetheless, she managed to steer the discussion back to her key message—development and unity. Referencing spiritual leaders like Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, she sought to underscore her vision of social harmony.

Political Implications Amid Upcoming Elections

Her Oxford address comes at a politically charged time, with West Bengal heading towards a crucial state assembly election in 2026. Back home, the political climate remains tense, with a growing rift between the ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition parties. Prior to her London visit, Banerjee had already faced significant backlash from opposition leaders, who criticised her foreign trip as a distraction from pressing state issues.

Call for Unity Over Division

Amidst these political tensions, Banerjee reaffirmed her stance against divisive politics. “When I am in power, I cannot afford division. It is easy to create division—it takes only a second. But maintaining unity is difficult. I want to see unity prevail till my last breath. Society must progress together, and without humanity, the world cannot function. Bengal stands for its land, its people, and its unity in diversity. There is no place for division,” she declared.

Despite the confrontations, Banerjee completed her speech, standing firm on her message of social inclusivity and empowerment.

The post Mamata Banerjee Faces Tough Questions During Oxford University Speech Amid Opposition Criticism appeared first on The CSR Journal.

During the long-haul flight, Mamata Banerjee remained awake, ensuring the well-being of her travel companions. Upon landing, she proceeded directly to St. James’ Court Hotel, as her official engagements were scheduled to begin on Monday.

Excited Passengers Miss Photo Opportunity

Among the co-passengers on the Dubai-London flight was a young Bengali professional from Kolkata, currently employed at Tata Consultancy Services in UK. Traveling with his wife and daughter, he was eager to get a photo with the Chief Minister. Having previously managed to snap pictures with Indian cricket icons Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni in a shopping mall in the UK, he was hopeful for another prized moment. However, upon landing, Mamata swiftly exited the airport, leaving him without the opportunity. Not one to return empty-handed, he then approached Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, who was accompanying Mamata on the trip.

Opposition Criticism and Mamata’s Response

Mamata Banerjee’s visit to London did not go unnoticed by her political opponents. The BJP and the Congress questioned the necessity of her overseas trip, especially at a time when Bengal is facing multiple governance issues. BJP leaders accused her of using public funds for a “luxury foreign tour” under the pretext of official engagements.

Trinamool Congress, however, defended the visit, stating that it was aimed at strengthening Bengal’s ties with international business leaders and educational institutions. Mamata herself responded sharply to the criticism, stating, “I do not need a certificate from the opposition. My trip is for the welfare of Bengal. If they are so concerned, they should focus on the issues in their own states.”

Banerjee is set to attend a programme and deliver speech at Kellogg College, University of Oxford, scheduled for March 27. Moreover, she will meet with business leaders on March 25 to promote investment in the state. She is expected to return on either March 28 or 29. This will be her second journey to London, following a business meeting in Edinburgh in November 2017. The central government granted permission for her visit last week.

With her packed four-day schedule beginning on Monday, Mamata Banerjee is set to engage in back-to-back meetings. The political ripples of her London visit, however, are likely to continue back home in Bengal

The post Amid Controversy, eventful start for Mamata Banerjee’s trip to London appeared first on The CSR Journal.