NCP (SP) chief questions the timing of enhanced security, hints at potential monitoring ahead of Maharashtra assembly polls
In a follow-up to the recent enhancement of his security detail, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said that the Z-plus security cover accorded to him could be a strategic move to monitor his activities as the Maharashtra assembly elections draw near. The Centre on Wednesday upgraded Pawar’s security to the Z-plus level, the highest category of armed VIP protection.
Speaking to the media in Navi Mumbai, the veteran politician, expressed uncertainty about the reasons behind this upgrade. “I wasn’t aware of the reason for this move,” Pawar said, recounting his conversation with a home ministry official who informed him that he was one of three individuals granted Z-plus security, alongside RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Pawar quipped that the security upgrade might be “an arrangement to get authentic information” about him, hinting at possible surveillance as the state heads towards elections. This comment comes amid heightened political activities in Maharashtra, where Pawar’s party, part of the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), is preparing for the upcoming assembly polls.
The MVA, comprising NCP (SP), the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), and Congress, had previously performed strongly in the Lok Sabha elections, winning 30 out of 48 seats in Maharashtra. In contrast, the ruling Mahayuti coalition, which includes the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, secured only 17 seats.
Pawar’s enhanced security detail now includes a team of 55 armed personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), following a threat assessment review by central agencies that recommended stronger protection for the leader. The categorisation of VIP security begins with Z-plus, followed by Z, Y+, Y, and X, with Z-plus offering the highest level of armed protection.
