Bhopal, October 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking an inquiry into alleged security and protocol lapses during Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Balaghat on October 1.
In his letter, Patwari raised questions about the role of the Balaghat district administration and police during Gandhi’s visit to Jagla village in the Baihar area, alleging that the district Collector and Superintendent of Police were absent from the venue despite prior information about the programme.
The issue was raised hours before Shah’s scheduled visit to Bhopal on Friday.
Patwari cited a communication sent by Balaghat Police on September 29 to Baihar MLA and district Congress president Sanjay Uke, seeking details of Gandhi’s proposed visit. The communication reportedly sought information about the expected crowd, volunteers, parking arrangements, traffic management and the list of people likely to meet the Leader of the Opposition.
The police had also described the area as sensitive and formerly affected by Naxal activity, according to Patwari.
“Therefore, saying that the district administration or police were unaware of the programme raises a serious question at the outset,” Patwari said at a press conference in Bhopal on Friday.
The Congress leader sought a factual report from the Union Home Ministry and a written explanation from the Madhya Pradesh government regarding the alleged absence of the two senior district officials.
He also sought clarification on whether a duty chart had been issued for the Collector and Superintendent of Police, whether other officers had been formally authorised to discharge their responsibilities in their absence, and whether the officials concerned had obtained prior permission.
Patwari further requested details of the Advance Security Liaison meetings conducted ahead of Gandhi’s visit, including the decisions taken during those meetings.
He said the matter should not be treated as a political controversy but as a question of the functioning of the security and administrative machinery during a public visit by the Leader of the Opposition.
“Government officials do not belong to any political party; they are public servants accountable to the Constitution and the law. This is the fundamental spirit of democratic administration,” Patwari said.
Rahul Gandhi visited Jagla village on Thursday and met tribal families who had lost children amid concerns related to illness and malnutrition. During the visit, he also raised issues concerning healthcare, education, compensation and basic facilities in the tribal region.
Patwari urged Shah to review all security and protocol documents related to the visit and initiate action if any violation of prescribed duties or written instructions is established.
The Congress leader also called for a clear and uniform protocol for future visits by the Leader of the Opposition and other holders of constitutionally or statutorily recognised high offices.
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