Pegasus Spyware Scandal: Congress Govt In Karnataka Allegedly Toppled; France's Macron Also Targeted

Mobile phone numbers linked to the Janata Dal Secular-Congress government in Karnataka were possible targets for surveillance in 2019. This happened at a time when the ruling coalition collapsed and the BS Yediyurappa-led BJP took power, The Wire has said in the latest revelations. This is in connection to Israeli spyware "Pegasus". The Wire report links the fall of the JDS-Congress government in July 2019 and the BJP's takeover to alleged snooping. It is an allegation echoed by the Congress. However,  there is no evidence to establish whether phones were hacked.

Key numbers were allegedly selected when the HD Kumaraswamy-led government was battling a huge crisis following a rebellion by MLAs. The phone numbers of Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara and the personal secretaries of Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy and former chief minister Siddaramaiah were allegedly selected as potential targets.

Congress party said it was clear that Pegasus was used to execute 'Operation Lotus' to topple the state government and the ruling BJP at the Centre facilitated it. Meanwhile, the phone number of French President Emmanuel Macron was targeted for potential surveillance on behalf of Morocco in the Pegasus spyware matter, French newspaper Le Monde reported on July 20. Watch the video to know more.