New Delhi, Nov 8 (UNI) In an all-out-attack against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on withdrawal of Special Protection Group (SPG) cover to the Gandhi family, the Congress on Friday
alleged that Amit Shah's 'personal revenge' and 'political vendetta' has led to the decision.
Addressing a pres conference, hours after the Union government withdrew the SPG cover for Gandhi family, , AICC general secretary in-charge of organisation KC Venugopal and party communication in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala claimed thata few months ago, the SPG had warned Rahul Gandhi and the family about threat to them.
"The SPG had written to Mr Gandhi on August 6, 2018, November 6, 2018, June 6, 2019 and August 29, 2019 about the threat perception. The SPG has repeatedly pointed out that there was a threat perception from Islamic terrorists, the naxalists, and Khalistani terrorist to the life of Rahul Gandhi and the family. What has changed suddenly now? Why are Mr Modi and Mr Shah mum?", asked Mr Surjewala.
Mr Venugopal alleged that Mr Modi and Mr Shah are blinded by personal revenge and political vendetta.
"This is proven by unceremonious removal of SPG cover of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi,"he said.
"Mr Modi and Mr Shah murdered democratic tradition by withdrawing SPG cover. Two former Prime Ministers - Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi- were murdered and it was Atal Bihari Vajpayee who amended law to give security to family of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. But the current dispensation have undone it now. Ex Prime Minister VP Singh made the same mistake for Rajiv Gandhi and the country paid a price for it in assassination of Rajiv ji. Blinded by personal revenge and political vendetta, Mr Modi and Mr Shah are doing the same", alleged Mr Venugopal.
He also said that recently when Mr Gandhi went to Wayanad, SPG and state police warned him to not go near masses because there is a threat, "but suddenly the Home Ministry has done this injustice".
The Congress general secretary asked under what circumstances Home Ministry decided to withdraw the SPG cover for the family.
"Usually SPG security is under Cabinet Secretary but here Home Ministry issued withdrawal notice. They're playing with life of Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Is this how you do political vendetta?", he asked.
Mr Surjewala said that there were rumours one month ago that SPG cover will be withdrawn and at that very moment senior leaders of the Congress, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, wrote to the Cabinet Secretary, expressing serious concerns on any such proposal.
"This letter was written to Cabinet Secretary on November 6, 2019. There is no response. Ex PM writing to Cabinet Secretary, we expect at least a reply. Now, they have unilaterally withdrawn SPG cover of the Gandhis. This shows cruelty of the Government", said Mr Venugopal.
Referring to the media reports about Mr Gandhi's travel abroad without SPG cover, Mr Surjewala said that "the consistent pattern of leakage of sensitive security related information of SPG protectees to the media is a direct breach of security from within the Government and must be enquired and accountability fixed for this repeated breach”.
Mr Surjewala added that "it seems the Prime Minister wants to remain in a club of one, in his classical arrogance style, without caring about the threat perception and security issues relating to SPG protectees."
The Congress leaders also said that they will consult appropriate quarters and "whatever needs to be done in order to ensure that rule of law is not annihilated by the blind and personal rage of Mr Modi and Mr Shah would be done."
Congress workers, led by Delhi Congress chief Subhash Chopra, on Friday evening held a protest outside Home Minister's residence against the decision.
UNI KNA AR 2000