The Uttar Pradesh government has provided bullet-proof jackets to over 50 leaders, including 11 cabinet ministers, ahead of the Assembly elections, in what sources describe as the first such exercise in the state to provide ballistic protection to politicians across security categories ranging from Y to Z+.
DG, security, Amrendra Sengar confirmed it but declined to disclose the number or the names of beneficiaries. Three politicians who have received the protective equipment — cabinet ministers Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ and Sanjay Nishad, and BJP MLA from Rampur Sadar Aakash Saxena — have confirmed receiving jackets around three weeks ago. “A directive in this regard was issued around two months ago. The jackets have been procured by the security headquarters of the UP government as an additional layer of protection for leaders who already have varying levels of security cover. Sources described it as the first instance in UP of such ballistic protection being extended across the spectrum of security categories. The government has so far not publicly disclosed the complete list of beneficiaries, their respective security categories or the detailed threat assessments that formed the basis for providing them with bullet-proof jackets.
Of the 44 leaders provided with bullet-proof jackets, 11 are cabinet ministers.
The move covers leaders belonging to different political parties, including the BJP and its allies, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party , and was undertaken following advice from the Union ministry of home affairs, according to sources familiar with the matter. I cannot disclose the number or names of the persons included in the list as it pertains to security arrangements,” Sengar said. BJP leader and State Women’s Commission vice-chairperson Aparna Yadav too confirmed receiving the jacket on Thursday.
