Cong used Cambridge Analytica in Guj polls: BJP

The BJP on Thursday raised the pitch against Congress accusing it of using the services of disgraced data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica in the Gujarat Assembly elections in December.

However, the saffron party vehemently denied having engaged the firm in any elections in the country.

Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad said Congress did not find it worth to deny media reports about hiring the firm for the past five months but its vehement denial now showed that there was something to hide.

"When they have found themselves in trouble, they are denying now. With all responsibility, I am making this statement that Congress used Cambridge Analytica in the Gujarat polls. Rahul Gandhi's social media campaign is managed by Cambridge Analytica," Prasad told a press conference.

"Congress can never run away from the truth. Their conspicuous silence for five months on reports of their involvement with such a dubious company speaks volumes about their ability to run this country," he said.

On reports about BJP hiring Cambridge Analytica, he said the firm was set up in 2013. He said he checked with party headquarters and found out that there was no such partnership.

"Web sites can claim anything. Many sites keep on posting self-claims. But it is not authentic," he said amid reports that a company led by JD(U) leader K C Tyagi's son Amrish Tyagi was engaged by BJP in 2010 Bihar elections and 2013 Delhi elections.

Reacting to Congress president Rahul Gandhi's accusation that government was inventing data theft story and blaming it on his party to divert attention from the deaths of 39 Indians in Iraq, Prasad said it was unfortunate that he was playing politics over bodies of Indians who died in unfortunate circumstances.

He also rubbished Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala's comments that he was the "Lawless Minister" of the country, saying they would be hurt that he is talking about the corruption allegations against Congress leaders like P Chidambaram.