The Congress party has once again displayed its penchant for reckless politics—this time by targeting the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) VIP Security Wing for doing its job. The issue stems from a recent missive sent by the CRPF to the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, warning him against repeated violations of security protocols.
The letter, far from being extraordinary, merely pointed out what officials have flagged several times in the past: Rahul Gandhi’s unscheduled movements without prior intimation. His frequent foreign trips—to Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London, Malaysia—have often been undertaken without the detailed disclosures required under the Yellow Book guidelines that govern VIP security. When someone is entitled to Z+ protection, these are not bureaucratic irritants—they are life-saving protocols.
The CRPF provides Gandhi with top-category security. Between 10 and 12 armed commandos accompany him during travel, with advance reconnaissance of all venues. But when the protectee himself refuses to follow the plan, the entire exercise is rendered futile. Security is not a matter of personal whim; it is a matter of national responsibility.
Instead of appreciating the CRPF’s vigilance, the Congress has chosen to criticise the force for sending the warning letter. That is not only unjustified—it is dangerously irresponsible. India has paid dearly in the past when leaders ignored security protocols. The Gandhi family itself provides the most tragic reminders.
Take the case of Indira Gandhi. Security officials repeatedly cautioned her about retaining certain personnel as bodyguards, particularly in the wake of Operation Blue Star. Yet, she ignored their professional advice. On 31 October 1984, she was assassinated by her own guards. What followed was a horrific massacre of Sikhs across the country, a blood-soaked chapter in India’s history that still haunts us.
Her son Rajiv Gandhi too disregarded security guidelines. As a journalist, I witnessed firsthand his casual approach to safety. During an election rally at Hyderabad’s Nizam College, Rajiv repeatedly stepped out of his vehicle late at night to mingle with crowds. While it was an electrifying sight for supporters, it was a nightmare for security officials. I recall feeling uneasy, even fearful, that such breaches made him a soft target.
That fear proved prophetic. In 1991, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by an LTTE suicide bomber in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. His casual interactions with crowds, his refusal to stick to security norms had created the vulnerability that his enemies exploited.
These precedents should have made Rahul Gandhi more cautious. Instead, his frequent violations of protocol mirror the recklessness of his grandmother and father. The lesson history has carved in blood seems to have been ignored.
It is important to understand why the CRPF insists on strict adherence to the Yellow Book. Security cover for high-risk leaders is not about mollycoddling; it is about ensuring that the leader’s actions do not put his own life, his security detail, and innocent citizens at risk. When Rahul Gandhi makes unscheduled movements, he not only jeopardises himself but also places his commandos and the public in harm’s way.
The Congress party’s criticism of the CRPF, therefore, is both misplaced and cynical. It suggests that even routine professional duties of a security agency can be politicised, provided there is an opportunity to attack the Modi government. But the CRPF is not a political tool—it is one of India’s most respected paramilitary forces, with a record of sacrifice and professionalism. Dragging it into partisan squabbles is deeply unfair.
Rahul Gandhi and his party must realise that security advisories are not insults; they are safeguards. To dismiss them is not an act of courage but of recklessness. Leaders who aspire to guide the nation cannot treat their own security with casual disdain.
The Congress would do well to remember that when tragedy strikes, the blame never falls on reckless politicians—it always lands squarely on the security forces. By undermining the CRPF’s credibility today, the party is preparing the ground to shift responsibility tomorrow. That is not leadership; that is abdication.
For once, Rahul Gandhi should set aside his politics and heed the CRPF’s warnings. History has already shown us what happens when Gandhis refuse to listen. India cannot afford another repeat.
