Gandhis’ security: Confusion over SPG cover, ally cries foul

NEW DELHI: One of the Congress’s closest allies, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), described a reported move by the Centre to alter the terms of the special protection group (SPG) cover extended to members of the Gandhi family as an “infringement on their privacy” and an attempt to “keep surveillance on them” even as confusion reigned over the decision.

The government on Monday declined to comment on a report that the operating norms of the elite security force were being modified in relation with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

A report in the English weekly Sunday Guardian said that the Gandhis had been told that SPG personnel would mandatorily accompany them at all times during foreign travels, and that any departure from these norms could lead to a possible curtailment on their private foreign visits over security concerns.

But conflicting information on Monday seemed to suggest that the Gandhis were told their SPG cover would be withdrawn if they did not comply with the modified norms. A third version, given by a senior officer of the Union home ministry, suggested that a government review of the Gandhis’ security cover had recommended removal of SPG protection and giving the duty to either the National Security Guard or the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). “Threat perception of each of those protected by the SPG is reviewed every year. The current review indicates a reduced threat perception for the Gandhis and their security can be handled by other forces,” the senior officer said, adding that no new threats were found in the assessment. The Congress largely steered clear of the issue but party spokesperson Pranav Jha indicated that the Gandhi family had received no official communication on the matter.