NEW DELHI-
The estranged wife of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised concern about her safety and has filed a Right to Information (RTI) application to the state government of Gujrat, inquiring about the security she is entitled to as the PM’s spouse, BBC News reported on Tuesday.
Jashodaben, a retired school teacher,came to the limelight in April when Modi publicly admitted to be married in his election nomination papers. The couple has lived apart for years after having been married at the age of 17, adds the report.
In an Indian media interview, Jashodaben said she lived on a monthly pension of 14,000 rupees adding that Modi left her after three years into marriage and they had lived together only for three months.
Modi has been accused of deserting his wife by his critics after he joined the Hindu nationalist organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which prizes celibacy.
The Indian premier has always avoided questions about his personal life.
Jashodaben was provided with a 24-hour security soon after Modi’s landslide win in the general elections.
“I am the wife of the honourable prime minister of India,” she wrote in her RTI application filed before the authorities in Mehsana district of Gujrat.
“I would like to know under what provisions of the law and the constitution of India am I being provided protection? As wife of the prime minister what are the other benefits I am entitled to?” the report quoted the application.
She adds that while she travels by public transport,”my security personnel travel in official vehicles”.
Mrs. Modi also appeared to be threatened by the security squad on duty.
“Given that former prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her security guards, I am frightened by the presence of the security cover. So kindly provide me all details about the security personnel provided to me,” she states.