25 BJP leaders got security during elections

25 BJP leaders have got central security amid the ongoing assembly elections in five states. Most of them are from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. Some of these leaders have also been attacked, due to which the Union Home Ministry has decided to increase their security. On the other hand, Congress says that the government is intimidating the people.

These leaders got Z and X category security

Union Minister of State SP Singh Baghel has been provided Z-category security of CISF. He is contesting against SP chief Akhilesh Yadav from Karhal assembly seat in Mainpuri. Baghel had earlier got Y-category security. Recently his convoy was pelted with stones in Mainpuri. Delhi MP Hans Raj Hans has got Z-category security for his Punjab tour and BJP MP from Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh Ramesh Chand Bind has got X-category security.

Apart from these three, all other BJP leaders have been given Y and Y-plus category security of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) till the elections. These include Nimisha Mehta, former aide of Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Apart from this, there are many names including Avtar Singh Jeera, Sardar Didar Singh Bhatti, Sardar Kanwar Veer Singh Tohra, Sardar Gurpreet Singh Bhatti, Sardar Hariot Kamal, Sukhwinder Singh Bindra and Parminder Singh Dhindsa.

There is a threat to the lives of the leaders- Home Ministry sources said that the Home Ministry has received the report of the Intelligence Bureau that the lives of these leaders are in danger during the elections. On the other hand, many of the leaders who have been given security in Punjab have recently joined the BJP. One of the leaders had even written a letter to the Center claiming threat to his life and sought central security, an official said.

Congress criticized this move of the government

Congress leader Randeep Surjewala says Z-category security is being distributed as political lollipops and status symbols for BJP leaders by the Centre. Every institution in this country is already crushed. Tactics like Z-category security in the midst of elections are used with the aim of creating fear among the people. This is an insult to democracy.

A similar move was taken for West Bengal elections last year. The Center had provided central security to over a dozen BJP candidates and politicians in the state. Suvendu officers were also involved in this.