Bihar Government Overhauls Security Arrangements for Political Leaders
The Bihar Home Department has implemented significant changes to the security categories of numerous political leaders from both ruling and opposition parties. This decision follows a crucial meeting held on January 16, with official communication sent to the Director General of Police (DGP) through a formal letter.
Enhanced Security for Ruling Party Figures
The department has substantially increased security protection for thirteen leaders from the ruling coalition. BJP national president Nitin Nabin has been elevated to the prestigious 'Z' level security category, accompanied by a 'BR Vehicle' for enhanced protection. Several other prominent figures have also received upgraded security status:
- Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh)
- BJP State President Sanjay Saraogi
- Health Minister Mangal Pandey
All three have now been granted 'Z' category security, representing the highest level of protection available. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh will now receive 'Y+' category security along with an escort vehicle for additional safety measures.
Security Reductions for Opposition Leaders
In contrast, the home department has reduced security protection for five opposition leaders, most notably Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, the Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Yadav's security has been downgraded from 'Z' category to 'Y+' category, marking a significant reduction in his protective detail.
Other opposition figures facing security reductions include:
- Pashupati Paras (downgraded from Y to X category)
- Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed (downgraded from Y to X category)
- Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar (downgraded from Y+ to X category)
- Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha (downgraded from Z to Y category)
Complete Security Withdrawals
The department has taken the drastic step of completely withdrawing security protection from several political figures. Those who have lost their security cover entirely include:
- Congress State President Rajesh Kumar
- Former State President and current MLC Madan Mohan Jha
- Former Bihar Assembly Speaker and RJD leader Uday Narayan Chaudhary
Additional Security Assignments
The revised security arrangements also include new assignments for several other political figures. Jamui MP Arun Bharti has been granted 'Y+' category security, while AIMIM MLA Akhtarul Iman receives 'Y' category protection. MLAs Bhagwan Singh Kushwaha and Nitish Mishra have also been assigned 'Y' category security.
Further security allocations include Nawada MP Vivek Thakur receiving 'Y+' category protection, JD(U) MLC Sanjay Kumar Singh getting 'Y' category security, and JD(U) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan along with former MLA Sunil Kumar receiving 'X' category security.
Implementation Directives
The Bihar Home Department has issued clear instructions to the DGP and the Inspector General of the Special Branch to ensure immediate compliance with these new security arrangements. The department emphasized the importance of prompt implementation of the revised security protocols across all concerned agencies.
This comprehensive security review represents one of the most significant adjustments to political protection in Bihar in recent years, affecting leaders across party lines and reflecting the state government's reassessment of threat perceptions and security requirements for public figures.
