Daijiworld Media Network - Indore
Indore, Sep 19: The Indore Police have sought details on 29 points from the Congress in connection with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in the city on Saturday, citing security recommendations of the Justice JS Verma Commission.
The details have been sought as part of security and logistical preparations for the Saturday evening programme, for which the Congress has claimed that lakhs of youngsters from across Madhya Pradesh have registered.
The Justice Verma Commission was constituted by the central government on May 27, 1991, six days after former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Tamil Nadu. It was tasked with examining whether the assassination could have been prevented, whether there had been any dereliction of duty in the former prime minister’s security and whether weaknesses in the existing security system and operational practices had contributed to the tragedy.
The commission was also asked to suggest preventive and corrective measures for future VIP security arrangements. Its findings and recommendations have subsequently formed part of security protocols for VIP programmes.
A senior Madhya Pradesh Police officer said the Verma Commission recommendations and findings are part of the Advanced Security Liaison (ASL), a coordinated security protocol used for protecting high-profile individuals facing severe threat levels. The ASL includes pre-visit assessments, anti-sabotage checks, multi-agency coordination and itinerary-related documents, irrespective of a VIP’s political affiliation.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, however, alleged that the police had referred to Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination for the first time while issuing security conditions for a party event. He alleged that the move reflected the BJP government's intentions.
“First, the government withdrew Rahul Gandhi’s SPG security in 2019, and now his father’s assassination is being cited while granting permission for his event. The BJP was abusing its power to obstruct the event,” Patwari said.
State BJP spokesperson Rakesh Singh Yadav rejected the allegation and accused the Congress of not providing accurate information to the police and administration about the expected turnout and other details.
According to a state Congress leader, the security conditions require organisers to deploy at least 1,500 volunteers, including a minimum of 500 women. The police have also been authorised to restrict entry if the gathering exceeds the approved capacity.
The conditions also prohibit organisers from displaying objectionable or provocative pictures, banners, posters or hoardings, or making inflammatory or derogatory remarks against any religion, caste, community, political organisation or non-political organisation that could hurt religious sentiments.
Indore Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) NS Rawat said the 29-point letter had been handed over to Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari and the Advance Security Liaison team for Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi has Z-plus security cover.
Congress MP and party chairman of the media and publicity department Pawan Khera criticised the Madhya Pradesh Police over the security conditions. He alleged that the police were intimidating Rahul Gandhi, organisers, coaching centres and students in the name of security.
Khera said ensuring the safety of every individual attending a public event was the administration’s responsibility. He also shared a copy of a ‘Self Certificate for the Safety’ that coaching and hostel operators in Indore are required to fill out.