Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 7: The Central Government has amended its direction to Special Protection Group (SPG), making it mandatory that they accompany Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at all times, even during foreign visits.
However, the new ‘security’ move by the Centre has raised eyebrows with many questioning if it is an attempt to streamline and track the Gandhi family’s foreign visits.
Apart from PM Narendra Modi, only the Gandhi family is protected by SPG. However, until recently, the Gandhis would travel with SPG till first location abroad and then send the SPG home. The Gandhis used to also proceed to other destinations of their choice and prefer their privacy. However, this meant that they were vulnerable to risks.
The new guidelines dictate that when the protectee travels abroad, it will be mandatory for SPG personnel to accompany them at all times. In case this is not acceptable to the protectee, the government could curtail their foreign visits on account of security considerations.
The new rule comes shortly after it was announced that Rahul Gandhi would campaign for Haryana and Maharashtra after his trip to Cambodia.
The implementation of new guidelines means that the Gandhis are required to submit every detail of their travel plan to SPG for arrangements.
While a top minister of the BJP government confirmed that the move aims to ensure that Gandhis are provided with foolproof security, a top SPG official denied fresh guidelines were issued.
However, there are chances that a controversy could erupt between the Modi government and Gandhi family.
It may be recalled that Rahul's car was attacked by stone pelters in Gujarat in 2017 during a poll campaign. When the issue was raised in Lok Sabha, then home minister Rajnath Singh accused the former Congress president of risking his own security.
“Rahul had carried out 121 planned and unplanned tours. He did not use the bulletproof car on 100 occasions. Rahul went on foreign tours and informed the SPG at the eleventh hour, creating problems for it to provide proper security. We want to know why didn't Rahul Gandhi take SPG cover on several foreign trips? What is he trying to hide?" Singh had questioned.
Meanwhile, a source confirms that Gandhis have been informed about the new directive.