Kolkata: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has issued clear directives to top police officials, including Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, to ensure that former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee continues to receive the same level of security as before. Mamata Banerjee currently enjoys Z-category security, which involves a deployment of 55 personnel.
During a meeting held with senior officers at Nabanna on Monday, Adhikari gave strict instructions that there should be no changes in Banerjee's security arrangements. He also emphasized that Banerjee should not face any disrespect or nuisance, reminding the officers that she is one of the senior-most politicians in the state and a three-time chief minister of West Bengal.
However, on the same day, the state government downgraded the security cover of Diamond Harbour MP and former Chief Minister's nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. He will no longer receive Z+ category protection following a security review conducted by the directorate of security. Officials stated that he would now be provided only the standard security cover available to Members of Parliament. Sources revealed that Adhikari questioned why an MP should receive additional security cover at the expense of the state.
In the presence of senior officers who have previously served in Chief Minister security details, Adhikari highlighted his own experience as Leader of the Opposition, when he was allotted just two security guards, and those guards were changed every week. This directive marks a significant shift in the state's political climate, signaling a blend of administrative scrutiny and protocol-driven respect for the former Chief Minister.
