All 77 West Bengal BJP MLAs given central security cover: Report

Last updated on May 12th, 2021 at 05:22 am

West Bengal BJP MLAs have been given ‘X’ and ‘Y’ category security cover after post-poll violence

In the aftermath of post-poll violence in West Bengal, the Union Home Ministry has approved VIP security cover for all 77 newly-elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs in the state. As per media reports, armed commandos of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be securing the newly-elected MLAs over potential threats to the lives of BJP leaders and workers in West Bengal.

Sources close to the development said that the Home Ministry approved the VIP security cover for 61 MLAs who did not have protection earlier after taking account of a report by the central security agencies on the post-poll violence in West Bengal. In addition, the ministry took cognisance of the inputs provided by a high-level four-member team that was sent to West Bengal to assess the incidents of violence against BJP workers in the state.

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According to an MHA order, each of the 61 MLAs will be given the lowest ‘X’ category security cover with three to five armed CISF commandos. Reportedly, other MLAs are already secured with the next higher ‘Y’ categorysecurity cover comprising of 10-12 commandos. Earlier, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who defeated West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee from Nandigram, was given ‘Z’ category security cover of CRPF commandos.

Speaking to the media about the development, senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya said that the party had requested Home Minister Amit Shah for security for all 77 MLAs in West Bengal, claiming that they were not able to travel to their constituencies due to violence across the state.

“If the violence goes down, then they can rethink (the security cover) but for now we need this,” the BJP leader said, as quoted by media reports. Ahead of the state assembly polls, 10 BJP leaders were given additional security cover in West Bengal. Reportedly, their Central protection has also been extended until May 15.

On May 2, West Bengal witnessed violent clashes between BJP and Trinamool leaders after the assembly election results were declared. The BJP emerged as the main opposition party by winning 77 seats in the 294-member assembly. TMC won a thumping victory with CM Mamata Banerjee forming the government again.

After the clashes, BJP alleged TMC workers thrashed and attacked its party workers, looted shops, and vandalised houses and its offices in the state. BJP also claimed that several party workers and leaders were forced to flee their houses and offices after being attacked by TMC goons.