Mumbai: The BJP-led NDA government’s decision to accord Z-plus security to NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has not gone down too well with him. Suspecting it to be a tactical move ahead of the state assembly polls, he said it could be an arrangement to get “authentic information” about him. The VIP security cover categories begin from the highest Z+ followed by Z, Y+, Y and X.
Speaking to the media in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, the NCP patriarch said that he has no idea why he has been provided high security. “A home ministry official told me that the government has decided to give three persons Z-plus security, and I am one of them. I asked who the other two were. I was told, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union home minister Amit Shah,” said Pawar, further quipping, “Maybe since elections are approaching, this is an arrangement to get authentic information (about me).”
A team of 55 armed personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be available for Pawar as part of the cover. A threat assessment review by central agencies had recommended “strong security” for him, official sources had said earlier.
Interestingly, prior to 1993 blasts, Pawar was known for not enjoying a security cover. It was only after he returned from the Centre to Maharashtra to take over as the chief minister, that he was accorded high security.
Party sources said Pawar is suspicious as some crucial information about political meetings after the 2019 state assembly elections, to which only a group of select leaders was privy to, was leaked. Doubts were also raised about tapping of phone calls. The decision to provide heightened security could have some bearing as the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is expected to return to power, said a leader, adding that Pawar may even reject it.
Meanwhile, former MP Nilesh Rane posted on X, “Sharad Pawar got Z plus security, now 55 CRPF will give security to him. I don’t understand who will attack him? (sic)”
