The central government has created a stir in Maharashtra’s politics by making a major decision ahead of the state assembly elections. The Modi government has announced Z Plus category security for Sharad Pawar, the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Sharad Pawar will henceforth be guarded by armed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officers. Sharad Pawar gets this security after the Union Home Ministry evaluated the threats against him. Sharad Pawar has had four terms as Maharashtra’s chief minister in addition to his prior position as Union Minister in the UPA administration.
Maharashtra Assembly Elections to be Announced in October
The Maharashtra Assembly elections are anticipated to be announced in October, but the political climate in the state is already intensifying. Reservation is currently the most contentious topic in Maharashtra, with considerable disputes between the Maratha and OBC populations. There have even been attacks on leaders; for instance, activists of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have attacked Uddhav Thackeray’s convoy. As a result, the threat level to many leaders has increased. According to media reports, central agencies had also indicated potential threats to Sharad Pawar and recommended enhancing his security. Following this, the Union Home Ministry has provided VIP security cover to the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Security Team of 55 Personnel
Following this decision by the Union Home Ministry, a team of 55 armed CRPF personnel will always accompany Sharad Pawar. According to media reports, the CRPF team has already taken over Sharad Pawar’s security detail. He now joins the select group of leaders in the country who have been granted Z Plus security.
It should be noted that VIP security cover classifications start from X and progress to Y, Z, and then Z Plus. In the Z Plus category, the security detail includes 10 armed static guards, 6 Personal Security Officers (PSOs), 24 personnel, and 5 watchers deployed in two shifts. Additionally, six personnel are always stationed to screen individuals entering and exiting the VIP’s residence. Six trained drivers are also on duty round the clock. This entire team is led by an officer of inspector rank.
