A fresh political storm has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress after reports emerged that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) flagged repeated breaches of security protocol by Rahul Gandhi during his overseas trips.
According to reports quoting official communication, Gandhi allegedly ignored security rules during visits to Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London, and Malaysia, a claim the BJP has used, asking pointedly, “What is he hiding?”
The controversy comes at a politically sensitive moment, barely weeks after Gandhi’s August 7 press conference on his ‘vote chori’ allegations against the BJP and the Election Commission.
Concerns over protocol breach
According to NDTV and ANI reports, two letters dated September 10 were sent by the CRPF to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. The letters, attributed to CRPF VVIP security chief Sunil June, highlighted Gandhi’s repeated disregard for the mandatory ‘Yellow Book’ protocol.
The CRPF reportedly expressed “serious concern” over Gandhi travelling abroad “without informing anyone” and reminded him that lapses could “weaken the effectiveness of VVIP security arrangements” and expose him to risks.
The flagged trips include:
Italy (December 30-January 9)
Vietnam (March 12-17)
Dubai (April 17-23)
Qatar (June 11-18)
London (June 25-July 6)
Malaysia (September 4-8)
Despite multiple queries, the CRPF has remained tight-lipped. News18 reported that a response from the force is still awaited.
What is the ‘Yellow Book’ protocol?
The BJP has zeroed in on Rahul Gandhi’s alleged violation of the ‘Yellow Book’, a classified CRPF manual that outlines security procedures for protectees under Z+ cover.
Under the rules, individuals must inform security agencies in advance of all movements, including foreign travel, to allow proper deployment of commandos and reconnaissance of sites.
Rahul Gandhi, who enjoys Z+ security with advance security liaison (ASL) cover, is accompanied by 10-12 armed CRPF commandos wherever he travels. As per protocol, the CRPF carries out an advance survey of locations to ensure airtight arrangements.
Ignoring such norms, BJP leaders argue, is not only reckless but also suspicious.
BJP raises questions: ‘What exactly is he hiding?’
The BJP wasted no time in amplifying the allegations.
BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya, posting the ANI report, wrote on X: “CRPF flags breach of security protocol by Rahul Gandhi. Under the Yellow Book protocol, individuals under high-category security are required to provide prior intimation about their movements, including foreign travel, to enable deployment. Rahul doesn’t…”
Other BJP leaders escalated the attack further. National spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused Gandhi of being a danger to India’s democracy:
“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!”
The remarks underscore the BJP’s long-standing suspicion of Gandhi’s unexplained foreign travels, which often become flashpoints in political discourse.
Congress calls it ‘Political intimidation’
The Congress has rejected the BJP’s accusations and questioned the timing of the CRPF’s communication. Senior leader Pawan Khera alleged that the leak of the letter was politically motivated, aimed at discrediting Gandhi as he builds momentum with his “vote chori” campaign.
“The timing of the CRPF’s letter and its instant public release raise disturbing questions,” Khera said in a post on X.
“It comes just as Rahul Gandhi 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?”
The party has yet to issue a formal statement, but insiders suggest it sees the controversy as a deliberate diversion from Gandhi’s recent allegations against the ruling BJP.
Rahul Gandhi’s track record with security protocols
This is not the first time Gandhi has been accused of disregarding security arrangements. In the past, reports surfaced of him:
1. Walking into crowded areas without prior intimation to his security detail.
2. Using unscheduled routes during political rallies.
3. Making foreign trips without informing agencies, leaving commandos scrambling.
Security experts argue that such lapses not only endanger the protectee but also place accompanying personnel at severe risk.
The political significance
For the BJP, the CRPF’s letter adds fuel to its narrative of Rahul Gandhi as an irresponsible and secretive leader with questionable foreign connections. The party has consistently highlighted Gandhi’s unexplained foreign engagements.
For the Congress, however, the timing of the disclosure is suspicious. It views the BJP’s attack as part of a larger effort to neutralise Gandhi’s political offensive on alleged electoral manipulation.
With both sides doubling down, the issue is likely to intensify in the coming weeks, especially as Gandhi prepares for another public “disclosure” in his ongoing campaign.
The CRPF’s flagged concerns over Rahul Gandhi’s foreign travel protocol breaches have opened a fresh chapter in the ongoing BJP-Congress battle. While the BJP alleges a “grave violation” of national security norms, the Congress insists the revelations are a politically motivated distraction aimed at silencing the Leader of Opposition.
