Nationalist Congress Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar. (PTI file)
A senior NCP(SP) leader, who did not wish to be named, said the move was taken after the central agency reviewed the threat perception of senior leaders.
The central government on Wednesday provided the highest level of Z-Plus security to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh party chief Sharad Pawar, National Party officials said.
The Union Home Ministry has directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to provide the senior politician with the highest level of VVIP armed security ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections scheduled to be held later this year.
A senior NCP(SP) leader, who did not wish to be named, said the move was taken after the central agency conducted a review of the threat perception of senior leaders.
In view of certain recent developments, they suggested that former Union Minister and four-time Maharashtra Chief Minister Pawar be given top-notch Z-Plus armed security cover.
The senior NCP leader said he will be protected by an elite CRPF force of about 10 armed personnel and other security equipment ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Earlier in April 2022, Pawar and his family were given the Z-Plus security ring after some people attacked his home in south Mumbai during political unrest.
There was chaos outside the veteran politician's residence as more than a hundred striking workers of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) staged an angry protest, accusing Pawar of doing nothing to help them.
Employees at the state transportation agency, which employs more than 90,000 people on the payroll, have been on strike since November 2021.
Following the incident, the then non-divided NCP demanded an upgrade in Pawar's security and questioned whether the “attack” on his residence was a pre-planned conspiracy to create instability in the state.
Pawar, 83, is one of the state's most senior and respected political leaders and his party is a key component of the national opposition Hindu Bloc.
VIP safety cover categories start with the highest Z-Plus category, followed by Z, Y and X.
(This article has not been edited by News18 staff and is published by IANS, the associated news agency)
