'Considers himself above Constitution': BJP vs Congress as CRPF flags Rahul Gandhi's security protocol breach

Congress leader Rahul gandhi during Bharat Jodo Yatra. (File photo/PTI)

After the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) flagged certain security protocol "violations" by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress and BJP are once again at loggerheads with the former calling it "intimidation" and the latter chiding Gandhi for considering himself "above the nation".

The CRPF VIP security wing provides the top category 'Z plus (ASL)' armed protection to the 55-year-old Rahul Gandhi. However, CRPF has flagged security protocol breach by the Leader of Opposition during his foreign visits.

The VIP security unit of the paramilitary force sent a letter on Wednesday to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, stating certain "unscheduled movements without intimation" by Gandhi during his domestic visits as well as before he left for abroad, ANI reported.

A copy of the said communication was also been marked to Gandhi's office.

Congress reacted to the development, raising questions over the timing of the communication and wondering whether it was a "veiled attempt" to intimidate its leader after he announced "another imminent disclosure" on "vote chori".

Pawan Khera said in a post on X, "The timing of the CRPF's letter and its instant public release raises disturbing questions. It comes just as Shri Rahul Gandhi is leading the charge against the BJP's Vote Chori carried out with the Election Commission's complicity."

BJP slams breach

Meanwhile, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh slammed the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, stating that he considers himself above the nation, government and the Constitution.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ghosh said, "When has Rahul Gandhi abided by protocols and discipline? They consider themselves above the nation, Government and Constitution."

CRPF flags protocol breach

In its letter, the CRPF noted that such lapses weaken the effectiveness of VVIP security arrangements and could expose them to potential risks while referring to Gandhi's foreign tours to countries such as Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London, and Malaysia.

Under the "Yellow Book" protocol, individuals under high-category security cover are required to provide prior intimation to the security wing mandated to provide them cover about their movements, including foreign travel, to enable adequate protective deployment.

Officials alleged that Rahul Gandhi has not consistently followed these procedures.

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi's security has come under scrutiny. In the past, security agencies have flagged instances where he reportedly bypassed established protocols, leading to concerns over potential threats.

(With inputs from ANI)