Snoopgate: 'Big Brother' BJP is watching you, claims Congress

The Congress on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Government at the Centre of keeping tabs on its political opponents, alleging that the Delhi Police officers that had been sent to collate information on party vice president Rahul Gandhi had visited his residence without an appointment.

"The form was not sent [by the Delhi Police], nor did they seek an appointment. However, the issue is not with regards to the form. We do not object to it. What is serious is the manner in which questions were asked. If they wanted to know the whereabouts of Rahul Gandhi, they should have sought an appointment. Their conduct leaves many unanswered questions," Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi told the media.

"Big Brother is watching you, no matter if you are a BJP ally or even a member. And it is closely watching its political opponents," he added.

Referring to the profiling of Rahul Gandhi by the Delhi Police, Singhvi alleged that the personnel visiting the latter's residence had repeatedly come unannounced.

"We never raised the issue of the form. When a form is to be filled, the Delhi Police sends it or seeks an appointment from the person. However, the officer who visiting Rahul Gandhi's house on March 2 did not come with a form. He directly started questioning. Only when he was counter-questioned did he show the form," he said.\

"On March 12, two beat constables came. We did not object to that. However, on March 14, two senior police officers came and started inquiring about Rahul Gandhi's staff and friends," he added.

Earlier in the day, the BJP denied 'snooping' on Rahul Gandhi, maintaining that the profiling of leaders was not dependant on whether their party was in power or in opposition, adding that the procedure followed by the Delhi Police was a routine exercise in order to cater to the security of 'VVIPs'.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner B.S. Bassi has denied that his force was profiling opposition leaders at the behest of the government, stating that the procedure has been practiced for decades.