Security Arrangements Revised for Bihar Political Leaders
In a significant development on Thursday, security arrangements for several prominent political leaders in Bihar underwent substantial revisions. The changes involved both downgrades and enhancements of protection levels, reflecting ongoing assessments of threat perceptions by authorities.
Downgrades for Opposition Leaders
The most notable change involved Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, whose security cover was officially downgraded from Z category to Y+ category. This represents a return to his previous security level before temporary enhancements were implemented.
Similarly, Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram also experienced a scaling down of his security protection. These adjustments come as part of regular reviews conducted by security agencies to allocate resources based on current threat assessments.
Enhanced Protection for BJP Figures
In contrast to the opposition leaders, several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders received upgraded security arrangements. The most prominent beneficiaries include:
- Nitin Nabin, recently elected as the BJP's 12th national president
- Union Minister Lalan Singh
- State BJP chief Sanjay Saraogi
- BJP leader Mangal Pandey
All four BJP leaders were granted Z-category security, the highest level of protection available to individuals under the government's security framework. A formal notification regarding these changes was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, confirming the revised arrangements.
Understanding Security Categories
The Y+ security category, to which Tejashwi Yadav has returned, provides substantial protection including:
- Approximately 11 security personnel in total
- One or two commandos for close protection
- Two personal security officers (PSOs)
- Round-the-clock protection by at least one Delhi Police constable serving as a PSO
This represents a significant security detail, though less comprehensive than the Z-category protection that involves more personnel and resources.
Context and Background
Tejashwi Yadav's security had been temporarily upgraded to Z category ahead of recent elections, reflecting heightened concerns during the campaign period. With the election period concluded, authorities have reassessed the threat level and adjusted protection accordingly.
The timing of these revisions coincides with Nitin Nabin's recent elevation to the position of BJP national president, announced at the party headquarters on Tuesday. Such security enhancements for newly appointed senior party officials follow established protocols for protecting individuals in high-profile political positions.
These security adjustments in Bihar highlight the dynamic nature of threat assessments and the careful balancing of security resources among political figures across party lines. The changes reflect both changing political circumstances and ongoing evaluations of potential security risks facing public figures in the state.
