In preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Union home ministry has extended Z-plus security to Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress party, throughout the nation, according to official sources on Thursday.
The decision, made earlier this month, was based on the perceived threat level against Kharge. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos will be responsible for providing Z-plus security to Kharge nationwide, the sources added.
As the leader of the principal opposition party, Kharge is anticipated to extensively tour the country in the lead-up to and during the general elections. The decision to elevate his security measures reflects this, the sources explained.
Under the upgraded security detail, Kharge will be safeguarded by approximately 30 CRPF commandos working in three shifts. This protection encompasses a bulletproof vehicle, pilot, and escort.
Z-plus security is the highest level of protection offered to individuals facing significant threat perception in India. The classification of VIP security ranges from Z plus, Z, Y, to X, determined by threat assessments conducted by the Intelligence Bureau.
The Prime Minister receives the most extensive security coverage from the Special Protection Group. Other prominent figures such as former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Congress presidents Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, as well as party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, are also under the Z-plus security umbrella with CRPF commandos.
The CRPF is deemed well-equipped to handle this responsibility, the sources affirmed.
Following a comprehensive security reassessment by the Modi government in 2019, 1,300 commandos were reassigned, as the Centre downsized or eliminated security details for around 350 politicians, both current and former lawmakers.
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