SC asks states/UTs to decide on plea seeking to conduct yatras on poll awareness
The bench was told that such orders prohibit all kinds of assemblies, meetings and demonstrations during the duration of elections.
A day after the government announced the decision to do away with red beacon lights for VIP vehicles including that of President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India, Union ministers, chief ministers and top government officials, Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu Thursday said the government has no plans to cut back on security to VIPs.
“With regard to security, it is necessary in the interest of the country because important people have to be protected. Otherwise, there is no preferential treatment,” Naidu told reporters after inaugurating a workshop on Instagram for government employees engaged in social media communications.
About the Centre’s decision to put an end to the VIP culture, he said: “Everybody is a VIP and that is the philosophy of our government.” Though it is a small initiative, it sends a message that every person should be treated equally, he said. Naidu hoped that state governments will also shun the use of beacons or they will face the wrath of the people.
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On a query about the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, the minister said the case has been going on for so many years and there is nothing new in that. He did not elaborate on what could be the impact on the BJP of the Supreme Court ruling that senior party leaders will be tried in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
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