BJP, SP, BSP leaders receive bullet-proof jackets ahead of UP elections next year

The jackets have been procured by the security headquarters of the UP government as an additional layer of protection.

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+.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. (PTI)

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.

DG, security, Amrendra Sengar confirmed it but declined to disclose the number or the names of beneficiaries. “A directive in this regard was issued around two months ago. I cannot disclose the number or names of the persons included in the list as it pertains to security arrangements,” Sengar said.

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.

Leaders confirm receiving bullet-proof jackets

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. BJP leader and State Women’s Commission vice-chairperson Aparna Yadav too confirmed receiving the jacket on Thursday.

The confirmations by the four leaders indicate that the distribution is already in the process, at least for some beneficiaries. The development assumes significance with the Assembly elections approaching, when political leaders are expected to step up public meetings across the state. Security agencies have also been reviewing the threat perception of political figures as part of their regular security assessments.

11 cabinet ministers among beneficiaries

Of the 44 leaders provided with bullet-proof jackets, 11 are cabinet ministers. Sources described it as the first instance in UP of such ballistic protection being extended across the spectrum of security categories.

The provision of a bullet-proof jacket, however, does not amount to an enhancement of the security category of the beneficiary. Security categories continue to be determined separately on the basis of threat perception and periodic assessment by the competent authorities.

The security headquarters has been responsible for procuring and distributing the jackets as part of the security arrangements for protected persons.

Protection across political spectrum

The inclusion of leaders from the BJP, its allies, SP and BSP is notable because it makes the exercise broader than a security arrangement limited to ruling-party functionaries.

Leaders covered by security arrangements routinely travel extensively and participate in large public gatherings, increasing the need for additional protective measures.

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.