The Maharashtra government has provided Y-Plus security cover to six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs amid speculation over their absence from recent party activities and growing political tensions within the party.
The move triggered a sharp reaction from Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut, who accused the government of shielding “traitors” and questioned the need for enhanced security. Raut said the MPs would require protection even from the “wrath of Shiv Sainiks”, remarking that not even Y+ security would be sufficient and that they might need the protection of the air force.
List of MPs Given Security Cover
The security cover has been extended to Lok Sabha MPs Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv).
Reason Behind the Decision
According to a communication issued by the state intelligence department on June 17, the decision was taken based on possible threat perceptions. District-level security review committees will subsequently assess the threat inputs and decide whether the security cover should be continued, upgraded or withdrawn.
Political Context
The six MPs have been at the centre of speculation over possible dissent within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, though no formal split has been announced. The security decision comes at a time of heightened political activity in Maharashtra ahead of key electoral battles.
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About the Author: Ahmed Ali S Ahmed Ali, Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Mumbai, covers crime and related issues but sometimes he also takes up offbeat subjects. His interests: automobiles particularly bikes, and gymming.
