Subramanian Swamy hits back at Cong, says got 'Z' security under Narasimha Rao govt

New Delhi, Dec 19: Responding to Congress's criticism over the extension of 'Z' category security to him, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy today said it was during former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao's tenure that he was provided this protection, which was later curtailed by the UPA government.

Speaking to reporters here, Swamy, the complainant in the National Herald case, said that the Congress government led by Rao had provided 'Z' category security to him.

That was later curtailed by the previous UPA government and made applicable only in a few states, he added.

"When our (BJP) government came, they said this is injustice and again provided me the security that had been given to me during Rao's tenure," he said.

"Now I don't know if they (Congress) think Narasimha Rao was a BJP man," he said.

Meanwhile, as Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi and others appeared in court today in the Herald case, Swamy criticised the party and claimed it is afraid that it is losing the case and, hence, there were the "processions and gatherings" of its workers.

"This taking out of processions, gathering of crowds... so many arrangements have to be made. With all this, a message would go out to the world that not all is equal in our country and democracy is not well-established.

"I tell Congress, that is why your name is spoiled... you are losing this case, that is why you are doing all this. If you are winning, then go smiling to court," Swamy said.

PTI