New delhi sources stated that officials said Special Protection Group (SPG) cover given to Gandhis, including congress Interim President Sonia and her children, has been withdrawn and they will now get 'Z plus' security provided by the Central Reserve police Force (CRPF). Reportedly a home Ministry official said the SPG security will be withdrawn from the New delhi residences of Sonia, her son rahul and daughter priyanka gandhi Vadra after the CRPF takes over the responsibility.
Furthermore sources said the government's decision has been conveyed to the gandhi family, but the people close to the family said they have not been informed. Perhaps the decision is set to become a huge political flash point, with congress leaders perceiving the move as "downgrading" of the security of the Gandhis, who have been enjoying the SPG cover since the assassination of former prime minister Rajiv gandhi on May 21, 1991.
Moreover the decision to withdraw SPG security, the country's highest grade of protection, was taken after a review involving the cabinet Secretariat and the Ministry of home Affairs with inputs from various intelligence agencies. Apparently in the wake of the latest decision, the top security cover will now be given only to the Prime Minister. Apparently the 'Z plus' security means the Gandhi’s will be guarded by around 100 CRPF personnel. Previously in august, the Centre had also withdrawn SPG protection given to former prime minister manmohan singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur and they were accorded 'Z plus' security of CRPF.
