NSO Group had come to us 4-5 yrs ago to sell Pegasus spyware, claims West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that she had also got the offer to buy Pegasus but refused as she believed in ‘security’ and ‘independence’ of people.

“Four-five years ago I was offered to buy Pegasus for 25 crore rupees but I had refused as I believe in people’s independence and security. This Pegasus software is dangerous and breaches security,” said Mamata addressing a press conference at state secretariat Nabanna.

Mamata further stated that she would have used it had it been for the benefit of the country.

“If it was used for the benefit of the country or for security reasons then it was a different matter altogether, but it has been used for political purposes, so I said we don’t require it,” further added the Chief Minister.

It can be noted that the monsoon session of the Parliament was thrown out of gear after the opposition constantly demanded ‘answer’ from the BJP led Central government of the Pegasus spyware. According to reports through this Pegasus spyware mobile of poll analyst Prashant Kishor and TMC national secretary Abhishek Banerjee was tapped during the 2021 Assembly election.

Mamata also claimed that the Telugu Desam Party government of Andhra Pradesh had purchased the Pegasus spyware which was nullified by general secretary Nara Lokesh.

“I don’t know in which respect Mamata Banerjee had said this but the truth is even we turned down the offer and didn’t purchase it,” said Lokesh.

Leader Of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari slammed Mamata and said that the Chief Minister should have spoken about the issue earlier.