Amid ongoing reports of tension between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a new development has surfaced regarding the security of Shinde faction leaders. The state government has reduced the security cover for several Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leaders who were earlier provided Y-level security. This decision has sparked discontent within the Shinde camp.
The security downgrade is not limited to the Shinde faction alone; leaders from BJP and NCP have also been affected. According to sources, the security of those leaders who are not facing a direct threat has been reduced. However, this move is expected to escalate differences between Fadnavis and Shinde.
VIP Security Review Sparks Controversy
The state government recently conducted a review of VIP security arrangements. As per the findings, it was decided to reduce security for leaders across party lines, including BJP, NCP, and Shinde-led Shiv Sena, who were not deemed under significant threat. Prominent BJP leaders like Ravindra Chavan and Pratap Chikhalikar are also among those facing a security downgrade.
Shinde Camp Expresses Displeasure
The security cuts have majorly impacted the leaders from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. Previously, these leaders were granted Y-level security, which included police escorts and security at their residences. Now, under the new security norms, the number of police escort vehicles has been reduced, and the security presence outside their homes has been scaled down.
As per the revised guidelines, Shinde faction leaders will now be provided with only one security guard during travel. This has triggered strong discontent within the faction, with several leaders expressing their displeasure at the Home Ministry’s decision. Previously, they enjoyed government-provided security, but now they will have to manage with limited protection.
Security Boost After Shiv Sena Split
The security cover for Shinde faction leaders was initially enhanced after the split in the Shiv Sena, which led to Eknath Shinde becoming the Chief Minister. At that time, Y-level security was granted to Shinde faction MLAs due to concerns about potential threats. The government faced criticism for providing such high-level security, but it was maintained for nearly two and a half years. However, the recent reduction in security has once again brought the political rift to the forefront.