Lalu, Mulayam warn Govt of consequences if NSG cover withdrawn
RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav warned the government that it would be solely responsible if anything untoward happens to them in the wake of reported plans to withdraw their NSG cover.
"If you say there is no threat to us, withdraw our security. But if anything happens to us be ready to face the consequences," Prasad told Home Minister P Chidambaram in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour.
Yadav also spoke in similar vein recalling the murderous attacks on him including a knife attack during a Janata Durbar in which he had a miraculous escape.
"You are insulting those leaders who are engaged in the fight for social justice. You are putting our lives in danger by proclaiming that you are reducing our security," he said telling Chidambaram that the Home Ministry and the government would be responsible.
The issue was raised by Shailendra Kumar (SP), who said that instead of curtailing security of the two leaders, including Yadav, the protection should be increased.Expressing surprise over reports that the security of his wife Rabri Devi would be withdrawn, Prasad wondered how it was possible when she had not been provided any security.
Chidambaram, who was present in the House, did not respond despite pleas from the members of the two parties.
A recommendation was made at a high-level meeting of the Home Ministry to withdraw NSG security for some VIPs including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati and downgrade the cover for several other dignitaries.
NSG cover for Prasad, Rabri Devi, the SP chief and BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi is also likely to be withdrawn, as per the recommendations made at the meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary G K Pillai.
