Government today termed the stone-pelting incident on the vehicle in which the party’s vice-president Rahul Gandhi was travelling during his visit to the flood-affected regions of Banaskantha in Gujarat on Friday as unfortunate.
Replying to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s allegation that BJP supporters were involved in the attack on Mr Gandhi’s vehicle, Home minister Rajnath Singh in a passionate reply condemned the incident in strongest terms and asserted there were no lapses in Rahul Gandhi’s security.
Mr Singh said the Centre has provided advance security information to Gujarat police well in advance and all necessary arrangements were made by SPG, Gujarat police during his visit.
The Home minister also informed the House that Mr Gandhi stopped on the places which were not on his tour schedule. Mr Singh also said Congress vice president has violated SPG norms on many occasions which were brought to the notice of the Congress President also.
The Home minister said Mr Gandhi stayed in abroad for 72 days during 6 visits in last two years and never availed SPG security. Rajnath Singh wondered what Mr Gandhi wants to hide as he is not taking SPG security during his foreign tours. The Home minister, however, said, an ADG level official is looking into the incident, an inquiry has already been started and one person is in judicial custody.
Not satisfied with the Home minister’s reply, Congress members trooped into the well of the House and shouted slogans. In the din, the Speaker Mrs. Sumitra Mahajan adjourned the House till noon.
