The Centre’s direction asking mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new and imported devices has triggered a sharp political confrontation, with Opposition parties alleging that the move paves the way for state surveillance. The government, however, maintains that the directive is meant to strengthen citizen protection against cyber fraud and assist in recovering lost or stolen devices.

What Sanchar Saathi offers

Sanchar Saathi is a Central digital safety platform that provides several citizen-oriented services through its app and web portal. One of its key features, Chakshu, allows users to report suspected cyber fraud or commercial spam calls. The platform also helps flag malicious website links, phishing attempts, device cloning, and fraudulent communication received via SMS, RCS, iMessage and social media platforms including WhatsApp and Telegram.

The website associated with the app states that such proactive reporting aids the Department of Telecommunications in preventing misuse of telecom resources for cybercrime and financial fraud.

What the Centre has mandated

The Department of Telecommunications, under the Ministry of Communications led by Jyotiraditya Scindia, has instructed mobile phone manufacturers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi in all devices produced or imported in India within 90 days from November 28. The notice also directs companies to ensure the app is visible during initial device setup and that its functions cannot be disabled.

For phones already manufactured, the app must be added through software updates. The government has warned that non-compliance will attract action.

Opposition raises privacy concerns

Political criticism intensified soon after the directive was issued. Congress leader KC Venugopal termed the move “beyond unconstitutional”, asserting that a pre-loaded government application that cannot be removed infringes on citizens’ right to privacy under Article 21. He argued that such an app could enable monitoring of individual activities and demanded an immediate rollback.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised the decision, describing it as “another BIG BOSS surveillance moment”. She said such measures would be opposed, arguing that the government should focus on stronger grievance-redressal systems instead of creating surveillance mechanisms.

Industry concerns surface

A report by media suggests the directive may lead to friction with major phonemakers, particularly Apple, which has previously resisted similar requirements citing user privacy and security. Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi did not respond to queries, nor did the Communications Ministry.

Two industry sources told media that manufacturers were not consulted before the order was issued.

According to figures displayed on the Sanchar Saathi website, the platform has enabled the blocking of 42 lakh stolen phones and helped in recovering 26 lakh devices. The app has recorded over 1 crore downloads on Android and nearly 10 lakh on iOS.

Grassroots poll workers in West Bengal erupted in anger on Monday as hundreds of booth-level officers (BLOs) gathered outside the Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office in Kolkata, protesting long hours, low pay and mounting pressure during the ongoing revision of voter lists. The agitation, organised by the BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee, sparked tense scenes as protesters clashed with police deployed in riot gear.

Protest intensifies amid police barricades

According to visuals shared by media, a large crowd of BLOs pushed against barricades, demanding relief from what they allege are harsh conditions under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Several participants attempted to break through police lines while chanting slogans against the state administration.

The protest escalated just before Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari and a group of BJP MLAs arrived for a scheduled meeting at the CEO’s office. As the police cordoned off the area, opposing slogan-shouting bouts erupted between BJP workers and the BLOs’ group, forcing officers to maintain tight control.

Despite the commotion, Adhikari managed to enter the building with other BJP leaders.

BJP slams Trinamool over BLO payments

After the meeting, Adhikari criticised the state government’s stance on the SIR exercise, questioning why the administration would object to the revision process while continuing to pay honorariums to booth-level officers.

Meanwhile, there has been no official response from the ruling Trinamool Congress or the Bengal government on the unrest.

Workers flag stress, low pay and rising deaths

BLOs—responsible for door-to-door verification of voter details, adding new voters and correcting entries—said they are burdened with targets and forced to travel long distances while juggling regular day jobs. Their current honorarium stands at just ₹1,000 per month.

In recent weeks, deaths of BLOs have been reported from multiple states, highlighting severe stress linked to the re-verification process. One widely shared case involved a 46-year-old school teacher from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, who recorded a video apologising to his family before his death.

SIR sparks political, legal dispute ahead of elections

With West Bengal headed for Assembly elections in the coming months, the voter roll re-verification drive has triggered a storm of allegations. The opposition, including the Trinamool Congress, has accused the Election Commission and the BJP-led central government of manipulating electoral rolls for political gains.

As Parliament’s Winter Session opens today, several contentious issues — from the voter list revision to the FIR against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi — are set to dominate the political landscape. The Opposition has lined up demands for multiple debates, signalling a stormy session ahead.

Major flashpoints set the tone

The FIR filed against Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case is expected to be a key point of confrontation between the Opposition and the BJP. The matter is likely to spark heated exchanges on the floor of both Houses.

Opposition pushes for debate on SIR

Opposition parties have demanded a discussion on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Trinamool Congress has argued that inadequate planning has burdened election staff, linking the recent death of a Bengal polling official to work-related strain.

National security and pollution on agenda

Leaders from 36 parties, during the all-party meet, sought a debate on the Delhi blast and wider national security issues. With the national capital battling severe air pollution, demands have also been raised for a discussion on environmental concerns.

Government calls for cooperation

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that while some Opposition leaders may raise a ruckus over SIR, no party indicated plans to disrupt proceedings. He stressed that Parliament has established procedures to address every issue.

Session schedule

The Winter Session is set to run till December 19, featuring 15 sittings over 19 days. The government plans to introduce 13 legislative bills and one financial bill during this period.