Rahul Gandhi, vice president of Indian National Congress, has escalated his political campaign for the much debated cause of net neutrality and accused the Modi government of delaying its policy stand and has warned that the Digital India might end up as a "surrogate for the interests of big corporations".

"Nasscom has asked for net neutrality, over 500 startup entrepreneurs are pleading for it, young in India have been demanding it, yet we have a government which under the pretext of repeated discussions has been delaying framing of a clear-cut policy on this," Rahul said in a statement.

"Like millions of Indian, I am earnestly hoping to see a TRAI report and the Modi government's commitment in favour of an open internet in its entirety where there is no ambiguity in regard to difference in pricing or VOIP," Rahul said.

Rahul Gandhi: The BJP government quietly looked the other way when telecom companies introduced price differential through zero rating plans and attempted to charge for OTT (Over The Top) services. (Reuters)

Rahul Gandhi: PM Narendra Modi's Digital India cannot become a euphemism for an Internet controlled by large remote corporations.

"Rahul has been the first to forcefully come out in favour of free internet at a time, many telecom giants are lobbying hard against it. Gandhi unflinching crusade for net neutrality will mount pressure on the Modi government's and TRAI's wishy-washy attitude on the issue," AICC chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewalla said.

"This is imperative for India to grow in the 21st century. I sincerely hope that TRAI report and Modi government will adhere to this bounden need espoused by millions of Indians," he said.

"Congress party's and my belief is shaped by our faith that Internet users should be free to connect to any website or service that they want, enabling a level-playing field on the 'world wide web'. We recognise the danger of privileging a private platform over a public Internet, introducing a new digital divide," he added.

By Premji