The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), on Thursday, replied to the Ministry of Home Affairs over the Congress party’s allegation of security breach during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, being led by Rahul Gandhi.
The CRPF, which is under the authority of the Home Ministry, said in its written reply that security arrangements for the march in Delhi were made as per guidelines, and that the Congress leader himself broke protocols several times.
As per the organisation, the security of the people participating in the march is the responsibility of the CRPF, in coordination with the state police. Based on the threat assessment, advisories have been issued by the MHA to all stakeholders, including state governments.
The statement comes a day after the Congress wrote a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah and alleged that Delhi Police, along with the CRPF, failed to provide appropriate security to Rahul Gandhi.
“Rahul Gandhi Breached Protocols 113 Times”
The CRPF said in its statement that it observed that Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi himself breached his security protocols on several occasions, especially during the ongoing Bharat Jodo Yatra. It claimed that Rahul Gandhi has violated security protocols 113 times since 2020.
“It may further be mentioned that during Delhi leg of Bharat Jodo Yatra, the protectee has violated security guidelines and CRPF will be taking up this matter separately,” said the organisation.
It further assured that appropriate security arrangements have been made for Rahul Gandhi by the CRPF, in coordination with state police and other security agencies.
Rahul Gandhi is a protectee under the Z-plus category, across India.
Congress’ Allegations
On Wednesday, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal wrote a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and alleged that security for Rahul Gandhi was compromised in Delhi, on December 24. The Congress leader alleged that Delhi Police failed to manage the crowd during the Bharat Jodo Yatra’s Delhi stretch.
Urging Shah to ensure security for Rahul Gandhi in his letter, Venugopal also mentioned that two of its leaders and former prime ministers sacrificed their lives due to security lapses.
The foot-march, which has covered more than 2,800 kms so far, entered the national capital last week, where Rahul was joined by his mother Sonia Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi, and several other top Congress leaders.
