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Denied entry at Shakti Sthal, alleges Varun

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI OCT. 31. Varun Gandhi, who had gone to Shakti Sthal today to pay tributes to the former Prime Minister and his grandmother, Indira Gandhi, on the occasion of her 19th death anniversary, returned without paying homage.

He later shot off a letter to the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, lodging a serious protest. He said that he was "appalled" as despite complying with all the security norms, he and his group were physically prevented from going to the samadhi.

Taking umbrage at not being allowed to pay homage, Mr. Gandhi held the State Government, as official hosts of the ceremony, responsible and said he expected an immediate apology. He alleged that while the Government might have its own political compulsions, it could not act in an arrogant, partisan and unlawful manner.

However, according to the Delhi police, Mr. Gandhi, accompanied by about 70 to 80 persons reached the main entrance of Shakti Sthal at 7-12 a.m., a minute before the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi, arrived. The Vice-President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, reached the samadhi at 7-27 a.m.

Police said that Mr. Gandhi, along with his group, wanted to enter the samadhi from the gate meant for special invitees. However, since they did not have the requisite invitation cards, security personnel did not allow him to enter. Mr. Gandhi insisted that he be allowed in.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central), Arvind Deep, intervened and allowed nine persons to accompany Mr. Gandhi. However, when they reached the samadhi area, the security personnel said that those accompanying Mr. Gandhi could take their seats in the seating enclosure. When Mr. Gandhi wanted his entire group to pay floral tributes at the samadhi, he was told that it would be against the security norms.

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