New Delhi: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar is set to get enhanced security, with the Centre likely to grant him Z+ security covers. The move comes amid a tense political landscape in Maharashtra, fueled by the upcoming assembly elections and the controversial issues of Maratha and OBC reservations.
Pawar currently enjoys Z+ security at the state level, but the Centre is in talks to provide an additional layer of protection, citing recent incidents and the anticipated escalation in political activity of the NCP chief. In a recent meeting with CRPF officials, Pawar discussed the security situation and agreed to accept the enhanced security measures, sources aware of the development said. “As the state prepares for the upcoming assembly elections, Pawar’s security is likely to be a priority”.
According to the officers involved in raising the security of the NCP chief, the decision to boost Pawar’s security is driven by several factors. Recent protests over the Maratha reservation have seen tensions escalate, with some protesters displaying black flags at Pawar’s convoy during a visit to a hunger strike site. The upcoming elections, coupled with the unresolved OBC reservation issue in the state, are expected to further intensify the political landscape, necessitating increased security for prominent figures like Pawar, sources said.
As the NCP chief was attacked by a youth in Delhi a few years ago, the centre is planning to enhance the security cover of Pawar to avoid the repetition of such untoward incidents during his poll campaigning.
Despite recent challenges, including the split within his party, Pawar remains a formidable force in Maharashtra politics and is actively rebuilding the NCP through campaigning, touring various districts and engaging with local officials ahead of the Maharashtra polls.
In the recent Lok Sabha elections his party won eight out of ten contested seats in Maharashtra.
Assembly elections in Maharashtra are slated in the last corner of the year and parties in the state have already geared up for the campaigning in the country’s financial hub.