CRPF Flags Security Lapses by Rahul Gandhi During Foreign Visits; BJP Targets Opposition Leader

New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has reportedly raised concerns over alleged violations of security protocols by Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, during his past foreign trips. In a letter addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and copied to Rahul Gandhi, the CRPF claimed that the former party president repeatedly failed to follow mandatory protective measures, potentially compromising the effectiveness of VVIP security arrangements.

Rahul Gandhi is entitled to a ‘Z+’ security cover, which includes an Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) team and a contingent of 10–12 CRPF personnel accompanying him during his visits. Standard procedure under the ‘yellow book’ protocol mandates that individuals under such high-category protection provide prior intimation of their movements to ensure proper deployment of security teams. The CRPF’s letter urged Rahul to strictly adhere to these protocols during future trips abroad.

The development has triggered immediate political criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya highlighted the alleged lapses on X, emphasizing that compliance with the yellow book protocol is essential for national security. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also criticized Rahul Gandhi, questioning the intentions behind his foreign travel and calling the lapses a serious breach of security that could threaten India’s democracy.