PATNA: In a significant move ahead of assembly elections, Bihar government has upgraded security cover for six high-profile leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Leader of Opposition in state assembly Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.
The security cover for six leaders—Samrat Choudhary, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, Pradeep Singh, Gyanendra Singh Gyanu and Neereaj Kumar—was upgraded on the recommendation of state security council.
According to a notification issued by home (special) department, Samrat Choudhary will be protected under advanced security Liaison protocol, enhancing his Z-plus security cover. RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s security has been elevated to Z category status.
Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in state legislative council Rabri Devi had expressed her concern about her son and former deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav’s security during the recently conclude Monsoon session of legislature.
She had alleged that Tejashwi apprehended threat to his life and also accused his political opponent (BJP leaders) of hatching a conspiracy to kill him. She had told the legislative council that three abortive attempts were earlier made on the life of Tejashwi.
Tejashwi’s security was reviewed after Rabri Devi’s remarks in the legislative council. Subsequently state government’s intelligence wing—special branch--also recommended enhancing Tejashwi’s security cover.
Two MPs—Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav (Independent MP from Purnea) and Pradeep Kumar Singh (BJP MP from Katihar)—and MLA Gyanendra Singh Gyanu will be entitled to Y-plus security cover. JD(U) MLA Neereaj Kumar will get Y category security cover.
Purnea MP had recently apprehended threat to his life after allegedly been threatened by notorious Lorence Bishnoi gang. Later police clarified that the threat calls were made to Pappu Yadav by an individual who had never been associated with Lorence Bishnoi gang.
Sources in state home department said that the security of these leaders has been enhanced in the wake of forthcoming assembly elections. These leaders will participate in public meetings of their respective parties.
Last year, security cover of four NDA leaders, including state assembly Speaker Nand Kishor Yadav was upgraded. Apart from Yadav, PHED minister Neeraj Singh Babloo was provided Y-plus security cover. JD(U) MLC Sanjay Singh’s security cover was also upgraded.
The security of Rajya Sabha member and JD(U) working president Sanjay Kumar Jha was also upgraded in 2024. Besides, Sitamarhi MP Devesh Chandra Thakur, Nawada MP Vivek Thakur and state minister Lesi Singh also benefited from enhanced security cover.