The security upgrade of Pappu Yadav, a controversial Bihar leader whose acquittal in a high-profile murder case has been challenged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in court, has raised the eyebrows of many in the poll-bound state. The decision to upgrade Yadav’s security has been taken by the Home Ministry headed by Rajnath Singh, dubbed as second in the NDA government after PM Narendra Modi.The Ministry has accorded ‘Y category’ security to Yadav, citing threats from “political rivals, criminals and Maoists" in a written communication to the state government. The 48-year-old parliamentarian will now have 11 security personnel protecting him.
The ruling JD-U – an arch rival of BJP in the state – has condemned the move, saying that the Modi government is misusing public resources by giving security to anti-social elements like Yadav. “It is a known fact that Pappu Yadav is a branded extortionist and facing several criminal cases. But instead of punishing criminals, the Modi government is busy is protecting them by upgrading their security,” said JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar.
He added: “What kind of governance the BJP will give to <g data-gr-id="22">people,</g> when the party is aiming to contest the polls with the support of such a leader. How people would feel safe under such circumstances?”
Earlier this year, Yadav was expelled from RJD. The five-time parliamentarian has floated his own party. According to sources, he will fight the upcoming Assembly elections in alliance with former CM Jitan Ram Manjhi and BJP. Manjhi, who was expelled from JD(U) in February, was also given a security upgrade by the Centre recently. He now has ‘Z’ category security, which makes him one of the country’s most protected politicians. Rival parties have alleged that the move to promote these politicians to ‘VIP security’ status is linked to the polls, in which the Nitish Kumar-Lalu Yadav combine is facing a challenge from the BJP.
Shatrughan <g data-gr-id="42">sinha</g>, Nitish <g data-gr-id="43">KUmar</g> exchange warmth at Patna Airport
Days after their meeting that triggered controversy, BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar came across each other at the Patna Airport and exchanged greetings. The two had a chance meeting at the VIP gate when Sinha was going to Delhi and the CM was returning from the national Capital, after attending condolence meeting of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. When asked about the meeting, Kumar said it was a chance meeting during each they asked about the well-being of each other.