Balaghat, October 1, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Madhya Pradesh Congress on Thursday alleged a security lapse ahead of Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled visit to Balaghat, while a letter issued by the district police two days earlier showed that the authorities had already raised security concerns with local Congress MLA Sanjay Uke.
The Congress shared the September 29 police communication with the media while alleging that the government machinery was claiming ignorance about Gandhi’s pre-scheduled programme despite having prior information.
Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari termed the alleged negligence by the police and administration “highly objectionable”.
“Despite the programme being pre-scheduled and prior information having been given, the government machinery is claiming ignorance about his visit. This itself exposes the lapses and shortcomings in the system,” Patwari said in a statement.
The police letter, addressed to Baihar MLA Sanjay Uke, said authorities had received information from various sources about Gandhi’s proposed October 1 tour and public programme in Balaghat. However, it said the organisers had not submitted written details regarding his arrival and programme.
The police described Balaghat as a “highly sensitive and former Naxal-affected area” from a security perspective and said VIP/VVIP movement required measures including Advanced Security Liaisoning, route clearance, bomb-disposal checks, anti-Naxal combing operations and a multi-layered security cordon.
It further pointed out that arranging adequate security personnel, traffic diversions and emergency measures at short notice in such an area would be complex and difficult.
The police asked Uke to coordinate immediately with the administration, Congress organisers and volunteers and provide details including the programme schedule, expected attendance, volunteer lists and mobile numbers, parking and traffic arrangements, and details of people expected to meet Gandhi.
The letter also referred to Gandhi’s Z-plus security cover and sought names, mobile numbers and Aadhaar details of those likely to meet him, stating that the information had not been provided to the police at that stage.
Citing the Justice Verma Commission and VVIP Security Code, the police stressed that organisers were required to provide complete information, the schedule and route map of VIP/VVIP programmes to the local police and administration sufficiently in advance.
Uke has represented the Baihar Assembly constituency since 2013 and was re-elected in the 2023 Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections.
Gandhi’s visit comes amid concerns over the deaths of tribal children in Balaghat, with issues including infectious diseases, malnutrition and healthcare facilities expected to be among the matters discussed during his interaction with affected families.
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