Varun meets Chidambaram, asks for increased security

BJP MP Varun Gandhi met Union home minister P Chidambaram and is understood to have asked for enhancement of his security.

Gandhi, 29, who is out on bail in cases relating to provocative speeches during the general election in April-May, met Chidambaram last evening and is believed to have sought more protection, an official source said on Tuesday.

The Union home ministry had given Gandhi, who made his electoral debut from the Pilibhit Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh, two personal security officers (PSOs), one of whom is armed with an automatic weapon, during electioneering.

As per the rules, his security has to be withdrawn after the election ended, bringing him back to the 'X' category (guarded by one PSO).

But the source said Gandhi might continue to enjoy the additional security cover till further orders. The Centre had also decided to provide him an escort vehicle during electioneering, the source said.

Gandhi was arrested on March 29 by the Uttar Pradesh Police under the National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly inciting communal passions. He was later granted bail on April 16 by the Supreme Court.