CRPF Flags Security Violations in Rahul Gandhi’s Foreign Visits

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has formally raised concerns about repeated breaches of security protocol by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his foreign travels. In a letter addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, the CRPF stated that Gandhi has often failed to provide prior intimation of his movements, thereby compromising the mandatory security framework put in place for leaders under Z-plus category protection.

According to the CRPF, such lapses make it difficult for security personnel to conduct advance reconnaissance, coordinate with local authorities, and ensure the safety of the protectee. The letter highlighted several foreign trips undertaken by Gandhi since December 2024, including visits to Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London, and Malaysia.

Rahul Gandhi (PTI) | Hindustan Times

The “Yellow Book” Protocol

Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is entitled to Z-plus security with Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) cover. Under the guidelines of the “Yellow Book,” individuals with this level of protection must strictly adhere to established norms, which include sharing travel plans in advance. These measures are critical not only for domestic security arrangements but also for coordinating with foreign agencies when the protectee is abroad.

The CRPF claimed that Gandhi had violated these protocols multiple times. Reports indicate that since 2020, he has allegedly disregarded the prescribed norms on more than one hundred occasions. Instances of such violations were observed not just during foreign visits but also during domestic political engagements, including the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Political Reactions

The issue has sparked a political war of words. Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have accused Gandhi of carelessness and disregard for his own safety. BJP spokespersons argued that ignoring security procedures exposes not only Gandhi but also the security personnel accompanying him to unnecessary risks.

The Congress, however, has questioned both the timing and intent of the CRPF’s communication. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera suggested that the release of such information to the public could be an attempt to intimidate Gandhi at a time when he is vocally attacking the government and raising issues such as electoral malpractice. The Congress maintains that security communications of this nature should remain confidential rather than being politicized.

Risks and Implications

Security experts caution that lapses in adhering to the Yellow Book norms may have serious consequences. Without proper advance notice, security teams cannot adequately assess risks or plan protective measures. This is particularly dangerous during international visits, where coordination with host nations is essential. Repeated violations also undermine the credibility of the security system and may necessitate stricter oversight in the future.

The MGMM Outlook

The recent concerns raised by the CRPF over Rahul Gandhi’s repeated violations of security protocol during his foreign trips shed light on a serious matter of national importance. As a leader under Z-plus category protection, Gandhi is expected to follow the “Yellow Book” guidelines by sharing his travel plans well in advance, enabling security forces to coordinate with domestic and international agencies. However, his consistent disregard for these procedures — over a hundred violations since 2020 — weakens the security framework that exists not just to safeguard him but also to protect the personnel deployed for his safety. Such lapses are not small oversights but deliberate carelessness that undermines the integrity of India’s security system.

At the same time, the Congress party has attempted to politicize the issue by framing the CRPF’s communication as a government tactic to intimidate Gandhi, rather than addressing the core concern of his negligence. This reflects a worrying trend where political narratives overshadow national security priorities. When a leader of Gandhi’s stature repeatedly disregards established protocols, it signals not just irresponsibility but also a disregard for the collective safety of the team assigned to him. In our view, this issue is beyond party politics—it is about whether a national leader is willing to respect the very framework designed to protect him and maintain India’s credibility in global security coordination.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, Moneycontrol, NDTV)