FILE: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi (Agence France-Presse photo)
Outraged by a visit from the Delhi Police to the residence of party vice president Rahul Gandhi, the Congress today called it political espionage and demanded an explanation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
"This is Gujarat's model, not India's model... We are not a police state, this is political espionage," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said, and added, "We demand a comprehensive explanation by no less than the Home Minister and the Prime Minister... We will raise this issue in the Parliament."
The Congress has claimed that policemen last week visited Mr Gandhi's residence, 12 Tuglak Lane, and asked for details of the 44-year-old Congress leader's appearance, like the colour of his eyes and hair. The party has questioned the need for such an exercise given that the Congress vice president is already a Special Protection Group (SPG) protectee and has Z-plus security - the highest in the country.
"Getting into the privacy of the individual is a crime. Rahul Gandhi is a famous person who has nothing to hide," said senior Congress leader PC Chacko.
The Delhi Police has refuted the allegations, saying it was a routine visit as part of a security audit and no personal questions were asked.
"Our police officers didn't go there with malafide motive, it was a routine activity... Policemen left proforma with staff at Rahul Gandhi's house," Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi said. (
Visit to Rahul Gandhi's Residence Was Routine Practice: Delhi Police)
The police also said this was an exercise done for all members of Parliament on a regular basis.
"Police also visited the houses of LK Advani and Veerappa Moily," Mr Bassi said.
The BJP too downplayed the visit. "Rahul Gandhi ji is a SPG protectee, nothing wrong if he was visited by those who give him cover of protection," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra.
Mr Gandhi, 44, is currently on a "leave of absence" and is expected to return to Delhi by March end. The Congress has said Mr Gandhi is "abroad for introspection and soul searching before starting a new journey in his life." The timing of Mr Gandhi's sabbatical has caused controversy; he left just as the crucial Budget Session of Parliament began.