The Hindu : National : Why give security to Varun, asks NCP

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National

Why give security to Varun, asks NCP

Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI: The Nationalist Congress Party on Thursday questioned the rationale behind providing Bharatiya Janata Party MP Varun Gandhi security when he invited a threat upon himself with his hate speeches.

Demanding withdrawal of the security cover available at government expense to all persons except those in constitutional positions and with a high threat perception, NCP spokesman D. P. Tripathi said here: “No security should be provided to Mr. Gandhi. Does a society allow a person to deliver a hate speech, and then spend money to secure his life? If he wants security, then he should pay for it.”

“BJP disappointed”

The NCP criticism came hours after BJP deputy leader in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj met Home Minister P. Chidambaram for a briefing on the measures taken by the Centre to protect the first-time member. However, she returned “disappointed.”

According to Ms. Swaraj, the Minister detailed the measures taken for Mr. Gandhi’s security. “I have not come back satisfied, but disappointed,” she told journalists.

Mr. Chidambaram invited her for a personal briefing on Mr. Gandhi’s security after she had raised the issue during zero hour on Tuesday.

When the matter was raised in the House, the government desisted from divulging details for fear that doing so would defeat the very purpose of providing security to Mr. Gandhi.

Status symbol

Reacting to the Minister’s call for a debate on VIP security, the NCP said there was no need for a discussion, and demanded immediate withdrawal of security cover to all with a few exceptions.

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