Indore. A political controversy has emerged regarding security arrangements before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's 'Students' Echo' program to be held in Indore on September 19. Madhya Pradesh Police has set 31 security conditions for the organizers of the event. In these, the responsibilities of the organizers along with crowd control, barricading, entry and exit arrangements have also been determined.
Reference to Rajiv Gandhi assassination in security document
Congress has raised questions over the mention of the Verma Commission report related to the investigation into the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 in the security terms. Congress leaders say that why this reference was used in the document regarding permission and security arrangements of the program, it should be clarified. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari and party's media department head Pawan Kheda have raised questions about the government and police system on this issue.
The Congress also alleged that continuous hurdles were created in the process of granting permission for the event. However, BJP has rejected these allegations. BJP state spokesperson Rakesh Singh Yadav said that for security related preparations, it is necessary for the police and administration to have the number of people coming to the program and other important information. According to him, the reference to Verma Commission has been given for the purpose of fixing security arrangements and responsibilities of the organisers.
Condition of 1500 volunteers and 500 female volunteers
Under the police security arrangements, a condition has been imposed on the organizers to deploy at least 1,500 volunteers, of which at least 500 will be women volunteers. If the crowd exceeds the prescribed capacity of the venue, the police will have the right to control entry and traffic. Besides, instructions have also been given to ban putting up objectionable or inflammatory posters, banners and hoardings and not to make derogatory remarks against any religion, caste, community or organization.
Earlier the program was proposed in the stadium
Congress had initially sought permission to organize the program at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Indore on September 12. Later it was decided to postpone the program to September 19 at a place in front of the Regional Park. For this, Congress deposited Rs 10.08 lakh to Indore Development Authority for temporary use of about 12 thousand square meters of land for three days. Later IDA demanded deposit of additional Rs 4.03 lakh.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajesh Dandotia, Rahul Gandhi has Z-plus security and police officers have held meetings with the organizers regarding the security of the event. Police say that along with the police, the organizers will also be responsible for security and crowd management during the program.