Picture for representation Picture for representation

Devendra Fadanvis-led BJP government's decision to cut on the heavy security cover provided to leading politicians and their family members in Maharashra may soon run into a controversy.

The decision of the panel which comprises the state DGP, the Commissioner, state intelligence, besides the chief secretary is final and does not require political clearances. The list includes the names of former chief minister Ashok Chavan, Congress leader Narayan Rane, former chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, senior NCP leader Praful Patel and former deputy CMs Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal and R R Patil.

Most of these politicians had either Z-plus or Z security cover. They may now get security of Y or X category. The move is likely to free up at least 300 constables for the safety and security.

Those who will lose the security cover are calling this move politically motivated.

According to Former CM Prithviraj Chavan, "The state has all the right to take such decision as far as it is logical and reasonable. But the action should not be partial."

With majority of the names hailing from the NCP and the Congress, these parties are already crying foul. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, "The decision should be purely based on the threat perception and should not be politically motivated. The cases of several leaders who have launched take on gangsters, underworld dons and naxalites should be considered before taking any such decision.

Sources say that barring the members of the Thackeray family, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and former chief minister Sushilkumar Shinde, the security cover of most of the politicians has been cut or withdrawn.

Fadnavis, aiming to make more manpower available for policing duties, had delegated the power to give security cover to VIPs to a high-powered committee, which is authorised to take decisions based on threat perceptions and intelligence inputs.



To avoid any controversy CM Fadanvis himself has asked Mumbai police Chief Rakesh Maria to withdraw his Z-plus security cover.



