New Delhi: With the Union Government reviewing guidelines related to the Special Protection Group (SPG), the Congress on Monday refused to comment on the matter even as three of its leaders - Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra - are SPG protectees.
It is to be noted that former Prime Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in 1991 two years after the V.P. Singh government withdrew the SPG protection accorded to him. Following his killing, the SPG Act was amended to allow for the protection of all former prime ministers and their families for at least ten years.
"Since it's a matter related to security, we will not comment on it unless and until we have official communication on the matter," Congress spokesperson said at a press conference here.
The government has issued fresh guidelines related to the SPG. Under the new directives, it has become mandatory for SPG personnel to accompany its protectees at all times. The move is being seen as an attempt to track the Gandhi family.
Last month, the Narendra Modi government withdrew SPG protection from former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who now is under the protective cover from CRPF commandos in the downgraded Z+ category.
The SPG was set up in 1985 after the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her security guards in 1984.
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