The Shiv Sena, in its mouthpiece ‘Saamna’ editorial, raised concerns over the withdrawal of the SPG security cover of the Gandhi family saying whether it is Delhi or Maharashtra, politicians should feel safe in their environment.

The government has replaced the SPG security cover given to the Gandhis — Sonia Gandhi, her son Rahul and daughter Priyanka — by the ‘Z- plus’ security of the CRPF.

‘The prime minister, home minister and other ministers are not ready to leave their security and importance of bulletproof cars is intact. This means the concern over the removal of security of Gandhis is valid. Sending used cars in their convoy raises concern,’ it added.

If these concerns are valid then PM Narendra Modi should intervene, the Shiv Sena mouthpiece added.

‘As per the home ministry, the threat to the Gandhi family has reduced and hence the SPG cover has been withdrawn. Who in the home ministry feels that way? That is a big question,’ it said.

‘The home ministry also felt that Devendra Fadnavis has a clear majority in Maharashtra. Before the people woke up, President’s rule was withdrawn from Maharashtra and Fadnavis was made CM. But Fadnavis gave his resignation within the next few days. Hence, there are concerns over what the home ministry says,’ the Saamna editorial stated.

It further said, ‘The reason for giving SPG to Gandhi was that Indira Gandhi was killed by her own security guard and Rajiv Gandhi was killed by militants. A few months back, there was a terror attack in Sri Lanka’s five star hotel. The government may have political differences with the Congress. Hate for Nehru is out in the open since five years.’

‘But one should not play with a person’s life. We would have taken the same position if it would be someone else other than the Gandhis,’ the party said.

Home Minister Amit Shah, replying to the debate on the SPG (Amendment) Bill, on Wednesday said the BJP does not carry out any action with a vindictive approach and it was the Congress which took many such decisions in the past.

He said that the security cover has in fact been increased for the Gandhi family.

“Impression is being created that the SPG Act is amended to withdrew security from the Gandhi family. This is not the fact. Security of the Gandhi family has not been withdrawn but changed to ‘Z-plus’ with advance security liaison and ambulance that will be given across the country,” Amit Shah said.

The bill was passed amid a walkout by the Congress. Several opposition members also wanted changes in the bill which were defeated by voice votes.

According to the amendment, the SPG will now protect the prime minister and members of his immediate family residing with him at his official residence.

It will also provide security to former prime ministers and their immediate family members staying with them at the residence allotted for a period of five years from the date on which they cease to hold the office.

(With inputs from PTI)