BJP claims CRPF “flagged breaches of security protocol”, Congress questions the “timing”, links the “public release” of the letter to Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ campaign
The BJP and Congress are locked in a fierce exchange over a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) communication that flagged “breaches of security protocol” by Rahul Gandhi during several foreign trips.
Quoting a CRPF letter, BJP’s IT cell chief Amit Malviya claimed Gandhi repeatedly failed to follow mandatory guidelines under the Yellow Book, which requires individuals with high-category security cover to give prior intimation of their movements, including foreign travel. Malviya wrote on X: “CRPF flags breach of security protocol by Rahul Gandhi. Under the Yellow Book protocol, those under Z+ security must provide advance details to enable deployment. Rahul doesn’t…”
Congress hit back, calling it a “veiled attempt to intimidate” the Leader of Opposition and questioned the “timing” and “public release” of the letter—coinciding with Gandhi’s aggressive “vote chori” campaign against the BJP.
“The timing of the CRPF’s letter and its instant public release raise disturbing questions. It comes just as Shri @RahulGandhi is leading the charge against the BJP’s Vote Chori, carried out with the Election Commission’s complicity. Is this a veiled attempt to intimidate the Leader of Opposition, who has already announced another imminent disclosure? Is the government rattled by the truth he is about to reveal?” Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said.
“Yellow Book” refers to the official security guidelines for VVIPs who are under government-provided security cover. It lays down the protocols, dos and don’ts, and responsibilities of both the protectee (the person receiving security, like Rahul Gandhi) and the security agencies (like CRPF, SPG, or state police).
According to reports, the CRPF issued two letters—one to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and another directly to Gandhi—detailing lapses in protocol during his visits abroad, including Italy (Dec 30–Jan 9), Vietnam (Mar 12–17), Dubai (Apr 17–23), Qatar (Jun 11–18), London (Jun 25–Jul 6) and Malaysia (Sep 4–8). The letters reportedly warned that such lapses could weaken VVIP security arrangements and expose him to risks, urging strict adherence in the future.
The BJP seized on the disclosure, suggesting Gandhi’s foreign visits carried a “suspicious” undertone.
“What exactly is Rahul Gandhi hiding? CRPF’s flagging of breaches in security protocol by Rahul Gandhi during foreign visits is a grave violation. Whose orders is Rahul Gandhi following during these suspicious foreign visits? Rahul Gandhi is dangerous for India’s democracy!” BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged on X.
This is not the first time Gandhi’s security has come under scrutiny. In the past, too, agencies are said to have flagged instances of him bypassing established protocols, sparking concerns over potential threats.
