CRPF Rules Out Security Lapse During Bharat Jodo Yatra, Reminds Congress Of Violations By Rahul Gandhi

Responding to Congress' charge of breach of Rahul Gandhi's security in Delhi, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said that appropriate security measures were in accordance with established protocols.

The Congress party alleged that a security lapse occurred during "Bharat Jodo Yatra" in Delhi. The party wrote to the Home Minister, Amit Shah, requesting immediate action to ensure the security of Gandhi and others participating in the march.

Ruling out such a possibility, the CRPF said that the security arrangements are made by the CRPF in coordination with state police and security agencies. It added that violations of laid down guidelines by Rahul Gandhi have been observed.

The same has been communicated to him from time to time. “For instance, since 2020, there have been 113 violations observed and duly communicated,” the officials said.

Besides, the officials said during the Delhi leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi "violated security guidelines and the CRPF, which provides his inner cordon of the Z-plus category security, will be taking up this matter separately."

All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary K C Venugopal, in the letter to Shah, alleged that the security of the yatra was compromised on multiple occasions following its entry into Delhi on Saturday (24 December). Delhi Police completely failed to control the surging crowds and maintain a perimeter around Rahul Gandhi.

The Congress's concern towards Gandhi's security seems to be an overreaction. Before the Punjab elections, the same party was a mute spectator when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cavalcade had to make an unscheduled stop due to protestors blocking the street on his way to Ferozepur, leading to a major security concern. 

The party, which was ruling in the state, defended its government, even labelling the episode as a "political drama". 

(with inputs from PTI)