MUMBAI: Sharad Pawar, the veteran politician and chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), raised eyebrows with his recent comments regarding the Z plus security cover granted to him by the Central government. Speculating on the motives behind the upgrade in his security detail, Pawar humorously suggested that it might be an attempt to gather “authentic information” about him as the Maharashtra assembly elections draw closer.
The 83-year-old leader, known for his sharp political acumen, shared his thoughts during a media interaction in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. “A home ministry official told me that the government has decided to give three persons Z plus security, and I was one of them,” Pawar stated. He further inquired about the identity of the other two individuals receiving the same security cover and was informed that they were Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Pawar’s reaction to this development was laced with wit. “Maybe since elections are approaching, this can be an arrangement to get authentic information (about me),” he quipped, leaving reporters with much to ponder.
Security upgrade amidst election season
The Z plus security cover is the highest category of armed VIP security provided by the Indian government, and it is allocated based on a threat assessment conducted by central agencies. For Pawar, this security upgrade means that a team of 55 armed personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be responsible for his protection.
Official sources indicated that a recent threat assessment review had recommended the heightened security for Pawar. However, the timing of the decision, coming just months before the Maharashtra assembly elections, has sparked speculation and debate in political circles.
The security cover for VIPs in India is categorized into different levels, starting with Z+, followed by Z, Y+, Y, and X. The Z plus category is reserved for individuals who are deemed to be at the highest risk, and it includes round-the-clock protection, bulletproof vehicles, and other stringent security measures.
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Political implications
Pawar’s remarks come at a crucial time for Maharashtra’s political landscape. His NCP (SP) faction is a key player in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which also includes the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress party. This alliance performed remarkably well in the previous Lok Sabha elections, securing 30 out of the 48 seats in Maharashtra, while the ruling Mahayuti coalition—comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar—managed to secure only 17 seats.
The upcoming elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, expected to be held in October-November, are likely to be fiercely contested. The MVA, buoyed by its Lok Sabha performance, is positioning itself as a formidable challenge to the ruling Mahayuti. Pawar’s NCP (SP) faction, with its strong grassroots support, is expected to play a pivotal role in the alliance’s strategy.
Sharad Pawar’s influence and legacy
Sharad Pawar’s influence in Maharashtra’s politics is undeniable. Over his decades-long career, he has been a central figure in shaping the state’s political narrative. His comments on the Z plus security cover, while lighthearted, reflect his deep understanding of the political dynamics at play. By raising the possibility that the security upgrade might be an attempt to monitor his activities, Pawar has subtly highlighted the political undercurrents as the election season approaches.
Pawar’s ability to remain relevant and influential, even at the age of 83, is a testament to his enduring political prowess. As Maharashtra gears up for the assembly elections, his moves and statements will be closely watched by both his allies and adversaries.
In the coming months, the political temperature in Maharashtra is expected to rise, and the role of leaders like Sharad Pawar will be crucial in determining the outcome of the assembly polls. Whether the Z plus security cover will have any bearing on the election dynamics remains to be seen, but it has certainly added an interesting twist to the pre-election narrative.
