Shiv Sena slams centre for removing Gandhi family's SPG cover

Mumbai: Ahead of the floor test in the Maharashtra Assembly, the Shiv Sena raised concerns over the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover removal for the Gandhi family on Saturday. The Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece 'Saamana' editorial, said that politicians must feel safe wherever they are - whether it is in Delhi or Maharashtra.

Earlier this year, the government replaced the SPG security cover given to the Gandhis -- Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul and daughter Priyanka -- by the 'Z- plus' security of the CRPF.

"The prime minister, home minister and other ministers are not ready to leave their security and importance of bulletproof cars is intact. This means the concern over the removal of security of Gandhis is valid. Sending used cars in their convoy raises concern. As per the home ministry, the threat to the Gandhi family has reduced and hence the SPG cover has been withdrawn. Who in the home ministry feels that way? That is a big question, The home ministry also felt that Devendra Fadnavis has a clear majority in Maharashtra. Before the people woke up, President's rule was withdrawn from Maharashtra and Fadnavis was made CM. But Fadnavis gave his resignation within the next few days."

The mouthpiece further stated that PM Narendra Modi should intervene into the matter.

The SPG protection was introduced in India after the assassination of the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her own body guard. The Gandhi family has had a tragic history with her son Rajiv Gandhi being killed by a suicide bomber as well. Since then, the SPG oversees the security for the top serving leaders of the country, including the Prime Minister and their family. In some cases the SPG is provided for the family even after the people in power have stepped down.