Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking an inquiry into alleged security and protocol lapses during Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Balaghat on October 1.
Patwari questioned the role of the Balaghat district administration and police during Gandhi’s visit to Jagla village in the Baihar area, where the Congress leader met families of tribal children who had died following illness and other health concerns. Independent reporting confirms Gandhi visited Jagla and met affected families during the visit.
Congress Questions Absence of Senior Officials
In his letter, Patwari alleged that the Balaghat Collector and Superintendent of Police were not present at the venue, despite the police having prior information about the programme.
Patwari referred to a September 29 communication from Balaghat Police to Baihar MLA and district Congress president Sanjay Uke, seeking details of the proposed visit, including the expected crowd, volunteers, parking arrangements, traffic management and the list of people likely to meet Rahul Gandhi.
According to Patwari, the police communication also described the area as sensitive and a former Naxal-affected region.
“Therefore, saying that the district administration or police were unaware of the programme raises a serious question at the outset,” Patwari said at a press conference in Bhopal on Friday.
The allegations regarding the security and protocol arrangements are those raised by the Congress leader and have not been independently established.
Patwari Seeks Details of Security Arrangements
Patwari sought a factual report from the Union Home Ministry and a written explanation from the Madhya Pradesh government regarding the alleged absence of the two senior district officials.
He also sought clarification on whether a duty chart had been issued for the Collector and Superintendent of Police, whether officers had been formally authorised to discharge their responsibilities in their absence and whether prior permission had been obtained by the officials concerned.
The Congress leader further sought details of Advance Security Liaison meetings held in connection with Rahul Gandhi’s visit and the decisions taken during those meetings.
Patwari said the matter should not be treated as a political controversy but as an issue concerning the functioning of the security and administrative machinery during a public visit by the Leader of the Opposition.
Rahul Gandhi Visited Tribal Families in Balaghat
Rahul Gandhi visited Jagla village in Balaghat’s Baihar area on Thursday and met families of tribal children who had died following illness and health-related concerns.
During the visit, he raised issues concerning healthcare, education, compensation and basic facilities in the tribal region.
Patwari urged Amit Shah to review the security and protocol documents related to the visit and initiate action if any violation of prescribed duties or written instructions is established.
He also sought a clear and uniform protocol for future visits by the Leader of the Opposition and other holders of constitutionally or statutorily recognised high offices.