Arnab Goswami WhatsApp chats | Opposition demands inquiry

Days after the conversations between Republic TV promoter Arnab Goswami and the former CEO of the viewership ratings agency Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) Partho Dasgupta leaked into the general public area, Opposition leaders on Sunday stated it merited a “thorough inquiry” since most of the points raised of their conversations pertained to “national security”.

“The Whatsapp chats that have come out in the chargesheet of the Mumbai Police raise serious questions of national security. How financial frauds happened, involvement of officials in high positions, and some conversations even talked about ‘buying’ judges and deciding portfolios for Ministers — this is akin to playing with national security and shows the hollowness of those in power,” Congress’ chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala informed reporters at a press convention.

Also learn: TRP scam | Bombay High Court extends protection to Arnab Goswami, other ARG employees

“Since the chargesheet is over 1,000 pages, we are examining the document in detail and in the next 24 to 48 hours, our seniormost leadership will come before you and share our views as to why it requires a thorough investigation,” he added.

Former Union minister P. Chidambaram, who additionally held the Home portfolio other than Finance beneath the United Progressive Alliance regime, requested if Mr. Goswami had prior information of the February 2019 Balakot strikes.

“Did a journalist (and his friend) know about the retaliatory strike on Balakot camp three days before the actual strike? If yes, what is the guarantee that their ‘source’ did not share the information with others as well, including spies or informers working for Pakistan? How did a ‘For Your Eyes Only’ decision find its way to the government-supporting journalist?” requested Mr Chidambaram.

Mr. Goswami’s WhatsApp chats with Mr. Dasgupta, who has been arrested by the Mumbai Police within the TRP (tv score level) rip-off, means that the Republic TV promoter had some prior info on a retaliatory strike by India after the Pulwama terror assault.

“On Pakistan the government is confident of striking in a way that people will be elated. Exact words used,” reads one of many messages attributed to Mr. Goswami and now a part of the Mumbai Police’s chargesheet within the TRP rip-off.

Trinamool Congress’ MP Mahua Moitra tweeted (sic): “Nation Needs to Know: Transcript of whatsap chats shows clearly Government gave prior information about both Balakot strikes & abolishing Article 370 to tv anchor What is going on? Am I the only one who thinks ModiShah owe us answers?”