Sonia thanks SPG as Gandhis' security handed over to CRPF

Congress President Sonia Gandhi has written to the Special Protection Group thanking them, a day after her son Rahul Gandhi too had thanked the elite force, after the government removed SPG cover for the Gandhi family and handed it to the CRPF.

In a letter penned to SPG Director Arun Kumar Sinha, Sonia wrote: "The SPG is an outstanding force, is imbued with courage and patriotism in every task they are given. On behalf of my whole family, I would like to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to the SPG for looking after our security and well-being with such dedication, discretion and personal care."

Earlier Rahul had thanked the SPG on Twitter: "A big thank you to all my brothers & sisters in the SPG who worked tirelessly to protect me & my family over the years. Thank you for your dedication, your constant support & for a journey filled with affection & learning. It has been a privilege. All the best for a great future."

The Union government downgraded the security of the Gandhi family and handed it to the CRPF under Z plus category. The Congress

has criticised the move, saying the government is doing it as a part of "vendetta politics".

To back its claim, the Congress cited the Justice J.S. Verma Commission report that said former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated due to security lapses.

The Union government downgraded the security of the Gandhi family and handed it to the CRPF under Z plus category. The Congress has criticised the move, saying the government is doing it as a part of ‘vendetta politics’