MP Govt Withdraws Security Cover to RSS Office, Then Reinstates It

The Kamal Nath-led government in MP had said the security personnel would be deployed on election duty elsewhere.

A file photo of RSS volunteers in their trademark khaki shorts. 

(Photo: IANS)

Almost a decade after security personnel were deployed outside the RSS office in Bhopal, the Congress government withdrew them Monday, 1 April 2019, only to rescind the decision a day later after criticism from within and outside the party.

The Kamal Nath-led government in Madhya Pradesh had said the security personnel would be deployed on election duty elsewhere.

The decision irked Congress candidate from Bhopal Digvijaya Singh, who tweeted his disapproval Tuesday.

"Its not at all proper to remove security provided to the RSS office in Bhopal. I request Chief Minister Kamal Nath to immediately provide adequate security," Singh said.

The chief minister has issued directives to reinstate the security outside the RSS office, an official said.

The state government withdrew security on "directives" of the Election Commission, an official said.

The decision was dubbed unfair by senior party leader Digvijaya Singh. Some BJP leaders also raised objection to it.

The security from 'Samidha', the RSS headquarters for the Madhya Kshetra or the central area comprising Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, was withdrawn late Monday night.

Soon after Singh sought immediate restoration of security arrangements at the Sangh headquarters, Nath said he has issued directives to reinstate security at 'Samidha'.

Nath said this in a statement issued through state Congress media cell coordinator Narendra Saluja.

"BJP leaders are creating a row over this issue. They are citing threat (perception) for continuation of security (at the RSS office). They should duly submit a letter to authorities concerned to seek security.

"Not seeking security and not allowing to withdraw it, both these things are beyond comprehension. Despite this, I am issuing directives to reinstate security," Nath said.

He said though the erstwhile BJP government had withdrawn security from the state Congress headquarters, the present Congress government continued security at the state BJP office.

State Home Minister Bala Bachchan told PTI that "the action of withdrawing security" was taken on the directives of the Election Commission.

"Security was provided to (former RSS chief) Sudarshan ji, who died in 2012. The EC reviewed security provided sans any official order," he said.

He said,

“At that time, the then state government had provided special security to Sudarshan and a tent with Special Armed Forces (SAF) jawans was put up outside the office.”

A Sangh office-bearer said security was provided at the office in 2009 when Sudarshan decided to stay at 'Samidha' stepping down as RSS chief.

Former chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan termed the decision to withdraw security as "unfortunate".

"It is unfortunate that security at the RSS office was removed without giving due reason. The Sangh neither asked for security nor depends on others for it," he said.

Chouhan said the previous BJP government had provided security to the Sangh office, "as we felt there was a threat of terror attack".

He said the state government should not play with the security of any person or organisation.

Several BJP leaders also expressed their anger over security withdrawal.

RSS Prachar Pramukh (Madhya Kshetra) Narendra Jain said, "Establishing a police chowki at 'Samidha' was the decision of the state administration. The RSS never asked for any security. They withdrew it now as they think that security was not required".