'What Is He Hiding': BJP Vs Congress Over Rahul Gandhi's 'Protocol Breach' Abroad

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 17:46 IST

The BJP claimed that the CRPF has flagged breaches of security protocol by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on his foreign trips to Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London, and Malaysia

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi enjoys the highest level of 'Z+' security with advance security liaison cover. (Image: PTI/File)

The BJP, quoting a news report that mentions letters from the CRPF, has alleged that senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not follow security protocols during his foreign trips.

But the Congress hit back saying the timing and “public release" of the letter raise “disturbing" questions as it comes in wake of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ campaign against the BJP.

According to the BJP, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has flagged breaches of security protocol by Gandhi during his foreign trips to countries like Italy, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, London, and Malaysia.

News18 contacted CRPF about the letter quoted by various media outlets, but the force is tight-lipped about the matter and is yet to respond. A query has been sent and a reply is awaited.

WHAT IS RAHUL GANDHI’S SECURITY COVER?

Gandhi, who has often travelled abroad for personal and political engagements, enjoys the highest level of ‘Z plus’ security with advanced security liaison (ASL) armed protection.

Around 10 to 12 armed CRPF commandos provide a proximate security cover to him whenever he is mobile. As part of the ASL, the force carries out an early reconnaissance of the locations to be visited by him.

WHAT DO REPORTS SAY ABOUT THE CRPF LETTER?

News reports mentioned two letters from the CRPF addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Gandhi on Wednesday (September 10), highlighting the security protocol breaches and said it is a matter of serious concern.

A report published by NDTV quoted a letter by CRPF VVIP security chief Sunil June – addressed to Kharge – alleging that Gandhi is not taking his security cover “seriously" as he is travelling abroad “without informing anyone". He is violating protocols mentioned in the ‘Yellow Book’ of the CRPF, the official was quoted.

The NDTV report said the CRPF referred to Gandhi’s foreign tours to countries like Italy (December 30 to January 9), Vietnam (March 12 to 17), Dubai (April 17 to 23), Qatar (June 11 to 18), London (June 25 to July 6), and Malaysia (September 4 to 8).

The CRPF reportedly appealed to the opposition leader to ensure adherence to security protocols in future. It said lapses on his part weaken the effectiveness of VVIP security arrangements and could expose him to potential risks.

WHAT IS THE ‘YELLOW BOOK’ PROTOCOL?

The BJP specifically targeted Gandhi for violating the ‘Yellow Book’ protocol. Its IT cell head Amit Malviya alleged that the Congress leader does not inform or provide prior intimation about his movements, which is mandatory under his security cover. 

Under the ‘Yellow Book’ protocol, individuals under high-category security cover are required to provide prior intimation to the security wing mandated to provide them cover about their movements, including foreign travel, to enable adequate protective deployment.

“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…" Malviya said in a post on X, while sharing a report on the CRPF letter by news agency ANI.

Other BJP leaders, meanwhile, said this is a “grave violation" and raised suspicion on Gandhi’s activities abroad saying he is “dangerous for 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!" BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said in a post on X, also sharing the ANI report.

WHAT IS THE CONGRESS SAYING?

While the Congress is yet to make an official comment on the matter, senior leader Pawan Khera raised doubts on the timing and public release of the CRPF letter.

Khera asked if this were an attempt at intimidation, especially since Gandhi has announced another “disclosure" related to his ‘vote chori’ allegations against the BJP.

“The timing of the CRPF’s letter and its instant public release raise disturbing questions. 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? Is the government rattled by the truth he is about to reveal?" Khera asked in a post on X.

This is, however, not the first time Gandhi has come under scrutiny. In the past, too, security agencies have flagged instances where he reportedly bypassed established protocols, leading to concerns over potential threats.

News politics 'What Is He Hiding': BJP Vs Congress Over Rahul Gandhi's 'Protocol Breach' Abroad

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