The Hindu : National : Lalu, Mulayam protest security downgrade

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National

Lalu, Mulayam protest security downgrade

Special Correspondent

Lalu Prasad

NEW DELHI: Apparently unhappy with the Union Home Ministry’s recommendation to downgrade their security cover, the former Railway Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader, Lalu Prasad, and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh on Wednesday warned the government that it would be solely responsible if anything untoward happened to them.

Raising the matter in the Lok Sabha during zero hour, the two leaders — whose National Security Guards (NSG) cover is proposed to be withdrawn in the wake of a reduced security threat perception — said Home Minister P. Chidambaram should be ready to take responsibility for any untoward incident.

“If you say there is no threat to us, withdraw our security. But if anything happens to us be ready to face the consequences. Mr. Chidambaram should be ready to go to jail also,” Mr. Prasad said.

He was supported by Mr. Singh who recalled the murderous attacks on him, including a knife attack which he escaped.

Mulayam Singh

“You are insulting those leaders who are engaged in the fight for social justice. You are putting our lives in danger by proclaiming that you are reducing our security,” Mr. Singh said.

The issue was raised by Shailendra Kumar (SP), who said instead of curtailing security of the two leaders, the protection should be increased.

Expressing surprise over reports that the security of his wife Rabri Devi would be withdrawn, Mr. Prasad sought to know how that would be possible when she had not been provided any security in the first place.

Mr. Chidambaram, who was present in the House, did not respond despite pleas from the the RJD and the SP members.

A recommendation was made at a high-level meeting of the Home Ministry to withdraw NSG security for some VIPs, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, and downgrade the cover for several other dignitaries.

Sharad Yadav of the Janata Dal (United) said selective leaks of Ministry’s decisions were uncalled for and even a threat by itself.

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