Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking an inquiry into alleged security and protocol lapses during Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Balaghat on October 1.Patwari raised questions over the arrangements made by the Balaghat district administration and police during Gandhi’s visit to Jagla village in the Baihar area. Congress alleged that senior district officials were not present at the venue despite prior information about the programme.Key HighlightsMP Congress president Jitu Patwari wrote to Amit ShahCongress sought an inquiry into alleged security and protocol lapsesRahul Gandhi visited Balaghat on October 1Congress questioned the absence of the district Collector and SP at the venueA September 29 police letter had flagged security requirements for the visitPolice described Balaghat as a sensitive former Naxal-affected areaCongress Raises Security ConcernsAccording to Patwari’s letter, the Balaghat Collector and Superintendent of Police were allegedly absent from the venue during Gandhi’s visit. Congress has sought a factual report from the Union Home Ministry and a written explanation from the Madhya Pradesh government.Patwari also referred to a communication sent by Balaghat Police on September 29 to Baihar MLA and district Congress president Sanjay Uke. The communication sought details of Gandhi’s proposed programme, including the expected crowd, volunteers, parking, traffic arrangements and people expected to meet the Congress leader.Police Had Flagged Security RequirementsThe September 29 police communication, which was shared publicly, said authorities had received information about Gandhi’s proposed October 1 visit but claimed that detailed written information about the programme had not been provided by organisers.The police described Balaghat as a sensitive and former Naxal-affected area and said VIP/VVIP movement required advance security coordination, route clearance, bomb-disposal checks, anti-Naxal combing and a multi-layered security arrangement.The letter also referred to Gandhi’s Z-plus security cover and sought information about people expected to meet him, along with programme and route details.Rahul Gandhi’s Balaghat VisitRahul Gandhi visited Jagla village on October 1 and met families of tribal children who had died following illnesses in the region. During the visit, he spoke about concerns related to healthcare, education, employment and tribal welfare and said he would raise the issue in Parliament.The security controversy has since become a separate issue, with Congress seeking an official inquiry while the police communication indicates that security concerns and requirements had been raised before the visit.The allegations regarding security lapses remain disputed, and any official inquiry would determine whether there were shortcomings in the arrangements.
