BJD MLA demands debate on Rahul Gandhi's breach of security

Bhubaneswar, Mar 11 (UNI) Ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) member Kalpataru Das today demanded a discussion on a ''major pre-planned security breach'' by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Orissa's naxalite infested Koraput district.

Raising the issue through a special mention, Mr Das also demanded a statement from the government on the issue amid slogan shouting by the Opposition Congress members inside the well.

The BJD MLA from Dharmasala alleged that on the night of March seven last AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi along with some SPG personnel left the NALCO guest house at Damonjodi at around 2015 hours without intimating the local administration.

When the Koraput Police Superintendent followed Mr Gandhi's car, he was prevented by the SPG, who used rough language at the Senior police officer.

''The SPG even blocked the road despite the SP categorically told them that the security in the district was his responsibility,'' he said.

The MLA also said the SP could not follow Mr Gandhi, who returned to the guest house in the midnight after being away for more than four hours in an undisclosed place.

The BJD MLA also alleged that one Pankaj Kumar, a retired IAS officer of Meghalaya cadre, who associated with the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, had planned the MP's secret trip.

''This was a clear cut and pre planned breach of security,'' Mr Das said adding that the Centre had clarified that the security of the VVIPs would be the responsibility of the state government.

The BJD MLA urged Speaker Maheswar Mohanty to direct the state government to make a statement in the house on the pre-planned security breach of Mr Gandhi, during his four-day visit to the state.

The Speaker, however, adjourned the house till 1500 hours without giving any ruling on the matter in view of the pandemonium prevailing inside the well with the Opposition Congress member disrupting the business demanding debate on the lawyers agitation in the state over the setting up of bench of Orissa High court at various places.

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