Rahul Gandhi Alleges PM Modi Is Tapping His Phone; BJP Calls the Charge Baseless

The Rahul Gandhi phone tapping row has started a fresh war of words between the Congress and the BJP. On Friday, November 13, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is tapping his phone. The BJP rejected the charge as "baseless" and asked him to share his evidence, according to IANS.

What did Rahul Gandhi say?↑

The Congress leader made the claim during an Instagram interaction, where he had invited suggestions on topics for a proposed debate with the Prime Minister. Answering a user's question, Gandhi said he has proof of his allegations against PM Modi on his phone, and that the phone is being tapped, as reported by Siasat with inputs from PTI.

He also renewed his challenge for a one-on-one debate with the Prime Minister on issues such as foreign influence and alleged vote theft. Gandhi claimed that Modi would not remain Prime Minister after such a debate.

Rahul Gandhi phone tapping row: key points↑

1. Claim: PM Modi is tapping Rahul Gandhi's phone
2. Where: An Instagram interaction on November 13
3. BJP's response: Baseless; show the evidence
4. Government: No official statement on the claim so far
5. Background: Gandhi has made similar allegations in 2021, 2023 and earlier this month

How the BJP responded↑

BJP leaders dismissed the allegation. A BJP national spokesperson said Gandhi makes up claims to stay in the news, and suggested that if his phone is being tapped, he should go to the police and submit it for examination.

BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha questioned why Gandhi had not presented his evidence publicly if he had it. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya took a swipe at him, saying, "Look, some foreigner has hacked Rahul Gandhi."

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Parliament is the right platform for debate, and that Gandhi should show seriousness as Leader of the Opposition, as per Indian Opinion, citing Aaj Tak.

What Congress leaders said↑

Congress leaders came out in support of Gandhi. Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid said Gandhi's statements should be taken seriously, though he added that he had no independent information about the alleged tapping. Congress MP Imran Masood claimed that Gandhi's remarks had made the BJP leadership nervous, as per The Hans India.

Not the first time↑

This is not a new charge. Gandhi had made similar phone-tapping claims in 2021, during the Pegasus spyware row, and again in 2023. Earlier this month, on November 2, he had challenged the Prime Minister to an open debate on foreign funding. BJP leaders have said Gandhi should raise such issues in Parliament instead.

So far, no evidence has been made public, and the government has not issued any statement on the tapping claim. Any formal complaint or court case would be the next step to watch.

For more from Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, read her recent remarks on India's growth target. Also on EEST TV today: retail inflation crosses the RBI's 6% limit.

What does the law say about phone tapping?↑

In India, phone calls can be legally intercepted only under strict conditions. Under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which replaced the old Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, interception is allowed only on grounds such as national security, public order or preventing crime, and only on orders from authorised officials. Illegal tapping is a crime. A person who believes their phone is being tapped can file a police complaint or approach the courts.

Looking back at the Pegasus row↑

In 2021, media reports claimed that Pegasus, a spyware made by Israel's NSO Group, was used to target phones of journalists, activists and politicians in India, including Rahul Gandhi. The Supreme Court set up a technical committee to look into the claims. In 2022, the court said the committee had found malware in 5 of the 29 phones it examined, but could not conclude that it was Pegasus. The government did not confirm or deny using the spyware.

What happens next?↑

For now, the row is mainly a political battle. The Congress is pushing the debate challenge, while the BJP is asking for proof. Unless evidence is made public or a formal complaint is filed, the claim is unlikely to move beyond a war of words. With parties already preparing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh election, the political temperature is likely to stay high.

FAQ

Q1. What did Rahul Gandhi allege? He alleged that PM Narendra Modi is tapping his phone, which he said contains proof of allegations against the PM.

Q2. How did the BJP respond? BJP leaders called the claim baseless and asked him to present evidence or submit his phone for examination.

Q3. Has the government responded? No official government statement has been issued on the claim so far.

Q4. Has Rahul Gandhi made such claims before? Yes in 2021, in 2023 and earlier in November 2026.

Q5. What debate challenge did Rahul Gandhi make? He challenged PM Modi to a one-on-one debate on foreign influence, alleged vote theft and other issues.