PM Narendra Modi`s `wife` Jashodaben gets 24X7 security cover

Zee Media Bureau

Ahmedabad: Now when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has moved to Delhi from Gujarat, his wife Jashodaben is under 24X7 security cover. A newspaper has quoted SB Trivedi, DSP Mehsana, told a daily: "Jashoda Modi`s security includes four armed policemen in plainclothes and a vehicle to keep a watch on her surroundings and any suspicious movement in her village. She will be accompanied by a constable round the clock.” Jashodaben lives with her two brothers in a small village called Ishwarwada in Mehsana district of north Gujarat. As per Special Protection Group rules though, the 62-year-old Jashodaben is entitled to the SPG cover, same as the PM, irrespective of the status of the ties between her and her husband. The SPG Act, which was enacted in 1988 and amended in 1991, 1994 and 1999, provides for `Proximate Security` to the Prime Minister and the members of his immediate family. Any former prime ministers or members of their immediate families are also entitled to SPG security for a period of 10 years from the date on which they cease to hold office. Those in the establishment said that a protectee may refuse security cover, but only if there was no threat perception against him or her. It was pointed out that security may be mandatorily provided in case of the slightest apprehension over the safety of a protectee. Modi had for the first time acknowledged Jashodaben as his wife while filing his nomination papers for the Vadodara Lok Sabha seat. Modi and Jashodaben were married in 1968 when they were both teenagers. According to media reports, when they first met, Modi had spoken to her about his dream of serving the country and also advised her to pursue her studies. Jashodaben retired as a school teacher and now leads a quiet life. (With PTI inputs)