U.P. Congress chief's WhatsApp blocked; alleges BJP pressure to silence Opposition

Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai has said his official WhatsApp account has been restricted and blocked for over a week, alleging that the state government is using political and administrative pressure on private companies to silence Opposition voices. He described the move as an “authoritarian trend” ahead of the upcoming elections.

In a statement to The Hindu, Mr. Rai said the restriction has hampered his ability to communicate with party workers and members of the public who reach out to him daily. “For over a week, my official WhatsApp number/account has been restricted and blocked, preventing me from using it. This is a sign of the BJP government’s frustration, as I am continuously fighting for issues of common people under the able guidance of our leader, Rahul Ji. The government puts political and administrative pressure on private companies to target leaders like me. The ruling party aims to cut off my communication from the public, hundreds of people reach out to me on WhatsApp daily. Currently, I am unable to connect with them,” he said.

Mr. Rai added that he has written to Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, demanding the lifting of the restriction. “I have written to Meta, demanding the lifting of the restriction. I will approach the judiciary if the restriction is not lifted,” he said.

The Congress leader’s allegation comes at a time when the state is gearing up for assembly elections. Opposition parties have frequently accused the ruling BJP of using institutional and corporate leverage to target dissent. However, the specific reason for the WhatsApp block has not been independently verified. WhatsApp has not issued any public statement on the matter.

This development underscores the growing reliance of political communication on digital platforms, and the challenges that arise when such accounts face restrictions. While the platform’s terms of service allow for blocking accounts that violate guidelines, the transparency of such actions is often questioned, especially when they involve political figures.

The BJP is yet to respond to the allegations. The Election Commission may also take note of the issue if it is raised formally. The case highlights the broader debate over the role of private tech companies in democratic processes and the need for clear grievance redressal mechanisms.

As the matter unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Meta lifts the restriction on Mr. Rai’s account, and whether he will indeed approach the judiciary. For now, the U.P. Congress chief continues to face a communication hurdle at a politically crucial time.