PATNA: After the Union home ministry conducted a review of the threat levels to various VIPs, the Centre on Monday downgraded RJD chief Lalu Yadav’s Z+ security cover.
Lalu Yadav will no longer be guarded by an entourage of NSG commandos, but rather by an armed squad of the Central Reserve Police Force.
This is being done in accordance with the protocol of the scaled down cover, sources said.
SON NOT HAPPY
In a strong-worded reaction to Lalu’s withdrawn security cover, son Tej Pratap today sneered at the Prime Minister and said, “Will get Narendra Modi ji skinned.”
Former Bihar health minister did not stop at this. He added, “It is part of a conspiracy to get my father (Lalu Prasad Yadav) murdered.”
#WATCH: Lalu Yadav's son Tej Pratap responds to question on his father's security downgrade, says, 'Narendra Modi Ji ka khaal udhedva lenge' pic.twitter.com/FER7rIBjoK
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2017
Calling this move entirely politically motivated and an attempt to nip dissent emanating from Lalu over demonetisation and GST, Tej Pratap said, “Those who are raising their voice against the Centre, their voice are being crushed.”
Quick to jump the gun defending the move, Bihar deputy CM and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi said, “Tejaswi maintaining that Centre and state govt will be responsible if something happens to Lalu is not right because incidents can happen. Even PM Indira Gandhi who had massive security fell prey to an incident but I can tell you there is no involved in this.”
Not just Lalu, but former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s security cover has also be scaled down among others. He will now be guarded by the state police.
Echoing same concerns, Manjhi said, “I come from a Naxal infested area and there is threat to me. If anything happens to me, the Centre and Nitish govt will be responsible.”
With PTI inputs