Centre extends Y+ security to rebels

The rebel MLAs also recently wrote to governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, alleging a threat to their lives

The Centre on Sunday extended Y-plus security cover of CRPF commandos to the rebel Shiv Sena MLAs and their families, officials said.

CRPF security personnel deployed outside the office of Samadhan Sada Sarvankar, son of rebel Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar, at Shivaji Park, Dadar, in Mumbai, India, on Sunday, June 26, 2022. (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO)

Among those provided the security cover are Ramesh Bornare, Mangesh Kudalkar, Sanjay Shirsat, Latabai Sonawane and Prakas Surve.

The development comes a day after dissident Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde, who along with other Sena rebels are camping in Guwahati, alleged that the Maharashtra government has withdrawn the security cover provided at their residences and dubbed the action as “political vendetta”. Shinde’s allegations came amid violent protests by Sena workers in parts of the state against rebellion in the party.

Maharashtra home minister Dilip Walse-Patil, however, denied any such directives by the government.

Officials said the security has been sanctioned to the legislators following a recommendation made by central security agencies to the ministry of home affairs.

About four to five Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) commandos, in shifts, will be securing each MLA once they are in Maharashtra, they added.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the Union home ministry may seek a report from the governor on the situation in the state.

On June 25, the governor wrote a letter to Rajnish Seth, Director General of Police (DGP), directing him to provide adequate police protection to MLAs and their families on a priority basis, citing incidents of violence. In his letter, Koshyari mentioned that he has received a representation from 38 MLAs stating that the police security of their families has been “illegally and unlawfully withdrawn”.

“They have also raised serious concerns about the safety of their homes and families in context of the provocative and threatening statements being made by certain political leaders,” the letter said.

The same day, the Governor sent another letter to Ajay Bhalla, union home secretary, requesting him to arrange for adequate provision of central security forces.

“I have already issued directions to the state police to provide adequate police protection to the MLAs, their families and homes on an immediate basis. Despite this, offices and homes of some of the MLAs have been vandalised with the police being a mute spectator,” the letter said.

However, the Maharashtra home department clarified that no major incident occurred in the state and they have provided adequate security to the rebel MLAs.

“There is no major incident of disruption of law and order situation in the state today. Adequate security has been provided at the offices and residences of all MLAs who have gone to Guwahati. At no point was the security withdrawn of the MLAs who had gone to Guwahati,” the home department said in a series of tweets.

“The Maharashtra Police is on alert and geared up to deal with any law and order issue which, (if at all ) arises. Prohibitory orders are in force in various parts of the State. Anybody trying to disrupt peace will be dealt with as per the law,” it added.

The Mumbai police has asked Shiv Sena leaders and cadre to maintain law and order in the city.

The deputy commissioner of police of 12 zones in Mumbai held a meeting with local corporators, Shakha Pramukh and local leaders in their jurisdiction on Sunday afternoon to ensure that no untoward incident should happen, looking at how sensitive the political situation is right now.

Even all senior inspectors across the city have also been informed to keep in touch with local leaders and identify the trouble-makers, and ensure there should not be a law and order situation in the area and maintain the peace, said a senior IPS officer.

During meetings with corporators of all political parties and local leaders, it was ensured that if any untoward incidents happen in the city then proper action would be taken against them, added officer. All the police officers are on alert.