NaMo’s Gujarat guards acting like SPG, state forces complain to Centre

NEW DELHI: Around half-a-dozen states have complained to the Union home ministry (MHA) that though Narendra Modi is yet to become PM, his security detail is behaving like the elite special protection group (SPG) that guards the PM, sources told HT.

“During a meeting chaired by home secretary Anil Goswami on March 29, representatives from around half-a-dozen states said Modi’s security men were trying to dictate terms like the SPG but the lacked the SPG’s finesse and professionalism leading to coordination problems,” said an official present at the meeting.

Modi is one of the most heavily-guarded leaders in the country, especially after serial blasts at his Patna rally in October last year.

The meeting was called after the BJP made a representation to home minister Sushilkumar Shinde about threats to its leaders during polls. The cabinet secretary Ajit Kumar Seth subsequently told Goswami to call a meeting of all states to review security measures for political leaders.

Representatives from around 18 states and central paramilitary forces attended the security meeting.

“State police officials were so annoyed with Gujarat police that the meeting was focused on the Gujarat CM’s security,” said the official.

Overall responsibility of Modi’s security lies with the Gujarat Police.

Additionally, a contingent of 40 to 80 commandos from the National Security Guard shadows him while he travels.

Gujarat police additional director general (intelligence) Pramod Kumar could not be reached for his comments.

At the meeting in question, representatives from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra were the most vocal but those from other states like Bihar and Tamil Nadu also voiced their annoyance.

“The displeasure shown by Madhya Pradesh was surprising as it is a BJP-governed state. The message was loud and clear for Gujarat police as they need to mend their attitude,” said another official present at the meeting.

The official added that VIP security is a professional job and but some Gujarat Police officers travelling with Modi were trying to deal with it like a law and order situation.

In the process, they rubbed many in the state police the wrong way. After the meeting, the MHA has issued instructions for better coordination among the Gujarat police and the police of the host state.