Maha rejigs VVIP security, Pawar wants less protection, BJP feels ‘insecure’

Mumbai, Jan 10 : After the annual review of state VVIP security, Maharashtra’s Maha Vikas Aghadi government on Sunday enhanced protection cover to a few, and reduced or withdrew it for many, even as senior leader Sharad Pawar sought reduction of his security.
From the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the security cover of several leaders including Leaders of Opposition (Assembly) Devendra Fadnavis and (Council) Pravin Darekar has been reduced while for others including state BJP President Chandrakant Patil, it has been withdrawn.
As the BJP cried foul, Nationalist Congress Party President Pawar requested Home Minister Anil Deshmukh to reduce his security cover.
Ex-minister and senior BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar – who lost his security – took a swipe at the MVA, saying: “I was given security because I come from a Maoist-hit district. It has been withdrawn, so it appears that Maoist activities over. But the (government) must ensure security for the common masses.” Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant questioned why the BJP leaders should shout and scream if their security cover is reduced or removed, considering the reduced threat perceptions to them.
“Although the Gandhi family and ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh face threats, the BJP acted vindictively and reduced their security after which the BJP people had rejoiced. But the MVA government doesn’t hold such an attitude,” he said.