In a major security lapse, stones were pelted on Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s car during his visit to flood-affected parts of Banaskantha in north Gujarat on Friday. The Congress leader was unhurt, even as the car was damaged in the incident. A war of words has broken out between the Congress and BJP following the incident.
Gandhi travelled to different villages in Banaskantha to meet people affected by last week’s floods. He was shown black flags when he reached the Dhanera APMC, where some people also shouted slogans supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Let them come (those waving black flags), let them hoist flag here in front (of the stage),” Gandhi said.
Witnesses said Gandhi was passing through Lal Chowk area of Dhanera when stones were thrown at his car. The car was damaged, and one of the SPG personnel sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Gandhi proceeded to Runi village, where he said that such incidents would not cow him down.
“We will not retreat because of the Narendra Modi slogans, black flags and stones,” he said at Runi, also telling the villagers that he and his party were with them.
Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Neeraj Badgujar said, “A few persons pelted stones at the convoy, breaking a glass of Rahul Gandhi’s car. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident. One person has been arrested and an FIR registered.” Badgujar added that a bulletproof convoy was offered to the Congress vice president by the police after the incident.
“Gujarat police, convoy martial and officers of SP also appealed to him to shift to the bulletproof convoy for security reasons. Gandhi, later, travelled in a vehicle provided by the party,” he added.
The incident led to a war of words between the Congress and the BJP.
Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi accused the BJP goons of carrying out the attack, while senior party leader Ahmed Patel said the incident reflects the law and order situation in Gujarat.
Chief minister Vijay Rupani, on the other hand, described Rahul Gandhi as a ‘perpetual tourist’, and said that instead of another photo-op, it would have been better if Gandhi or the Congress party devoted time to proper relief work.
Later, in another tweet, the Gujarat CMO condemned the attack on Rahul Gandhi’s convoy and directed officials to take action against persons responsible.
When questioned about the security lapse, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, said the state government had offered a bullet proof vehicle to Rahul Gandhi as per the security protocols.
“However, he chose to travel in another car, and the government is not responsible in any manner for the incident,” Patel said.
The incident sparked anger among Congress workers, who resorted to protests and demonstrations at several places.
CONDEMN
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha while condemning the attack said the damage done to the motorcade and security personnel injured clearly shows that it was a well-organised attack on Gandhi to harm him physically
