The Congress raised concern over security arrangements to Rahul Gandhi for his Bharat Jodo Yatra, alleging that the security of the Bharat Jodo Yatra was compromised on multiple occasions and Delhi police completely failed in controlling the surging crowd and maintaining a perimeter around the leader. However, the government officials have come out saying that all security arrangements were fully made as per the guidelines and it was Rahul Gandhi who had violated the security guidelines.
Let us look at the whole episode
WHAT THE CONGRESS CLAIMED?
In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal said that security was compromised on multiple occasions on the December 24 when the Bharat Jodo Yatra entered Delhi. He said that the Delhi police completely failed in controlling the surging crowd and maintaining a perimeter around Rahul Gandhi, who is assigned Z+ Security.
“The situation was so severe that the Congress workers and the Bharat Yatris walking along with Rahul Gandhi had to form the perimeter. At the same time, the Delhi police remained as mute spectators,” the letter said.
“In this regard, I request you to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of Rahul Gandhi, a Z+ protectee, and of all the Bharat Yatris and leaders joining the Bharat Jodo Yatra,” Venugopal said and also mentioned that two of the prime ministers – Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi – sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of the country.
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SAYS?
A day after the Congress made the allegation, the Government made it clear that all arrangements have been fully made as per laid down guidelines. The CRPF officials said that it was only Rahul Gandhi who violated the security guidelines.
The CRPF in coordination with State police/ security agencies provides the required security arrangements during visits of the protectee. Advisories based on threat assessment have been issued by the MHA to all stakeholders concerned including the State governments. Advance Security Liaison (ASL) is also undertaken for every visit, the CRPF said.
They also said that about 113 security guideline violations was found duly communicated to the leader from time to time. The officials also maintained that security arrangements made for the protectee work fine when they themselves adhere to the security guidelines.
For the Delhi leg of the yatra on December 24, , the officials said that ASL involving all stakeholders was conducted on December 22. All security guidelines have been strictly followed and Delhi Police has informed that sufficient deployment of security personnel was made.
