The shackles of VVIP-ness are finally coming off Robert Vadra...in airport checks

There’s a quiet revolution underway across India. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security is reportedly sending out a notice to all airports that Robert Vadra’s name be removed from the exalted ‘exempted from frisking’ list. Before those intensely jealous of what proximity to the Nehru-Gandhi family can bring take out their concealed lighters from their hand luggage to celebrate, let it be known that it was Mrs Vadra who had written to the Special Protection Group (SPG) last year requesting the removal of not just her husband’s name, but also that of her family who aren’t office-holders who make the grade because of security reasons, from the list.

Vadra himself is understandably delighted. “Finally!! I am glad and have been awaiting this so-called and never-used security exemption privilege to be removed from airports.” Perhaps now, he can help the Dalai Lama — who, courtesy reincarnation, is an official post as well as a person — to also get off the no-frisk list. It’s true that the SPG and the Delhi Police were the ones responsible for shackling Vadra in horrible VVIP-ness so as to smoothen their own jobs — non-frisking being easier than frisking no matter what activists tell you. We wish Mr Vadra a hearty welcome into the wonderful world of normal air travel. And, of course, he can still jump the queue. He’s Robert Vadra, bhai!