File photo of Robert Vadra (Agence France-Presse photo)
Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, has taken a swipe at Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju's comments on special privileges for "VIPs" at airports, calling it "hypocrisy of the highest limits."
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Mr Vadra said, "I watched on the electronic media discussions again about my name being on a list for special privileges at airports in India. I'm glad that this formality has been removed as this was created without my consent, by the security agencies, only to be followed when I would be travelling with SPG protectees."
Mr Vadra's post followed the aviation minister's statement in Parliament on Monday that there was no proposal to curtail "VIP privileges" given to ministers and MPs, like a reserved lounge, free water and hot beverages. Responding to a raging national debate on the "VIP culture" and parliamentarians abusing and flaunting facilities provided at the taxpayer's cost, Mr Raju clarified later that these were not privileges, "but courtesies."
Mr Vadra said the aviation minister, "and so called important people in the ruling government) clearly admit to breaking all security norms and talk of complete entitlement of all privileges. Hypocrisy of the highest limits."
Alleged security exemptions to Robert Vadra, a businessman, at airports has been raised several times by critics who pointed out that he does not have VIP security and so, should be treated like a common man.
Sonia Gandhi and her children Rahul and Priyanka are among the most protected persons in India, and have SPG or Special Protection Group cover like prime ministers and former prime ministers.
Mr Vadra said in his post that since he was not protected by the SPG, "my children and I have always travelled like ordinary passengers, following all Rules and Norms of security checks, from removing of Coats, Belts, clearing bags, etc., like we would follow at any airport, world over. Cameras at every airport, is proof to the information given above and many passengers have mentioned this (on Twitter ) contradicting to the so called privilege that I claim to use."