UP govt reviews security cover of VIPs

The security cover of 105 VIPs has been completely withdrawn and the security of 46 politicians has been downgraded.

Lucknow, April 24: In one of the latest move amid many reforms in Uttar pradesh, the newly-elected Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday ordered to reduce the security cover various opposition ministers and VIPs in the state.

Some high-profile opposition ministers whose security cover has been downgraded from Z category to Y category are- former minister Azam Khan, Samajwadi party general secretary Ram Gopal Yadav and senior leader Shivpal Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav's wife Dimple Yadav.

However, former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati will continue to enjoy Z plus security cover, according to a report.

Reacting on Yogi's decision, Khan told a leading daily, "It seems more than a co-incidence that on Saturday I received threat letters from someone outside UP and on Sunday my security cover was reviewed and pruned."

The security cover of 105 VIPs has been completely withdrawn and the security of 46 politicians has been downgraded.

On the other hand, senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar will have an upgraded security cover, with Z category security.

Following threat to his life, the security cover of UP CM Yogi Adityanath has been upgraded, who already has Z plus security cover. Now 35 National Security Guards (NSG) commanders and a Quick Response Team will also be deployed with him.

On Saturday night, the UP security committe, comprising of newly-appointed UP DGP Sulkhan Singh, Principal Secretary (home), ADG Intelligence and ADG (security) reviewed the security of around 151 former ministers, MLAs and other VIPs.

"After the latest security review, more than 1,200 security personnel will be spared for other law and order duties in their respective district", an officer told TOI.

Last week, in an attempt to ban the VIP culture, the Centre government directed that red beacons should be removed from the vehicles of all ministers.

OneIndia News