Gehlot demands investigation into Whatsapp snooping

BARMER: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday demanded a probe into the alleged Whatsapp snooping case. He said Whatsapp installed on phones of many leaders could have been snooped through the Israeli spyware. “An inquiry is needed for this,” he added.

Gehlot was talking to reporters in Barmer after reviewing progress of the refinery-cum-petroleum complex. When asked about hacking of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi’s phone . “The company (Whatsapp) and the government have different versions. The government should form a commission of i nquiry t o prove i t s claims,” the CM said.

“For long, people are scared of talking on the mobile phones. Snooping is against the Constitution,” Gehlot said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the refinery site took stock of progress of the ~43,000 cr project. He said that his government will ensure time-bound completion of the project.

After reaching at Pachpadra, Gehlot visited the refinery site and later met the HPCL official who briefed him about t he project. CM directed the official to ensure time-bound completion of the 9 metric tonne (MT) refinery project.

Gehlot said ~1,800 cr had been spent and tenders for ~8,000 cr had been invited. He said that this project was his government’s priority and he will fulfil all the requirements to complete it on time.

The project, he said, was likely to be completed by 2023-24.

Gehlot said Barmer was fortunate t hat huge oi l and g as reserve had been discovered in the area. He said that recently 10 more blocks have been allotted to the company, and expected that oil production from these blocks will start soon. Gehlot said increase in oil production will reduce import and also benefit the state with royalty.

When asked about employment to locals in the refinery project, the CM said it was a technical project and the locals should equip themselves for it to become eligible for jobs.

Gehlot also met the party workers before leaving for Jaipur. Revenue minister Harish Choudhary, Congress MLA Madan Prajapat and many other party leaders were present during the CM’S visit.

GEHLOT SAID BARMER WAS FORTUNATE THAT HUGE OIL AND GAS RESERVE HAD BEEN DISCOVERED IN

THE AREA