Centre has provided ‘Z’ category CRPF security cover to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar across the country in view of potential security threats against him. Government sources said that he will be provided VIP security cover of armed commandos.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has entrusted the Central Reserve Police Force with providing a contingent of about 40-45 personnel for the task, the sources said.
A threat perception report prepared by central security agencies had recommended a strong cover for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Kumar. The move comes amid preparations for the seven-phase general elections that begin on April 19.
The armed commandos will accompany the CEC during his travels across the country, the sources said. Kumar is a retired IAS officer of the 1984 batch. He took charge as the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022.
The Chief Election Commissioner is the key person in the election season as he is travelling and holding several meetings to ensure free and fair Lok Sabha elections and assembly elections in the four states.
During the elections, several anti-India forces attempt to impact Indian elections, keeping in mind the safety of the person at the helm, the Central government increased its security.
In another development, the Union government provided VIP security cover of armed commandos to Madhavi Latha, the BJP Lok Sabha election candidate from Hyderabad, in view of potential security threats against her, official sources.
The 49-year-old politician has been granted the mid-level ‘Y plus’ category mobile security cover during her stay and visits in Telangana. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) VIP security wing has taken charge of the task as stipulated by the Union home ministry, the sources said.
A classical dancer and entrepreneur, Latha is set to take on sitting Hyderabad MP and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi in his stronghold in the May 13 general elections.