The BRICS TimesCongress MP Shashi Tharoor stated that every person in the country can download the app if they feel the need. He also said citizens should have the right not to use it if they don’t want to.
Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor made a big statement regarding the Sanchar Saathi app on Tuesday (December 2, 2025). Tharoor mentioned the app could be helpful for people. However, he insisted that every individual’s consent should matter regarding its download. The central government should not make everything mandatory. If it is made compulsory, the government must clarify the underlying reasons. Getting information about its facts only through news reports is quite strange.
Citizens Must Have the Right to Choose
“Every person in the country can use this app. They can download it if they feel it is necessary,” he said. “If they feel they don’t need this app, they should also have the democratic right to say, ‘I do not need it, so I will not take it.'”
Government Did Not State Reasons for Mandate – Shashi Tharoor
Speaking at the Parliament House premises, the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha MP stated, “If the government says this app is essential to keep on the mobile, calling it a rule or a law, they also need to explain the actual reason behind it.” He further added, “This matter has not been debated inside the Parliament.”
I Will Use the App If I Find It Useful – Shashi Tharoor
Responding to the government’s claim that the Sanchar Saathi app helps curb cybercrime, Tharoor remarked, “Nobody wants cybercrime on their phone.” He added, “If I also find the app useful, I will certainly use it. If I don’t like it, I will not use it. It’s as simple as that.” He concluded, “I think we should know more about why this app is being made mandatory for everyone. The government has not held any discussion about this.”
