In a significant reassessment of VIP protection arrangements following improvements in Bastar’s security situation, the Chhattisgarh Government is preparing to downgrade security cover provided to 116 political leaders belonging to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and main opposition Congress across the insurgency-affected division. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma has indicated that the Home Department will shortly issue formal orders specifying the revised security categories, signalling a recalibration of protection arrangements in a region historically affected by Maoist violence.

 

According to information emerging from the review, nine prominent political figures could see their security downgraded from Z+ to Z category, while several others may be shifted from Z to Y+ or Y protection. Those reportedly affected include Cabinet Minister Kedar Kashyap, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Deepak Baij, former Ministers Kawasi Lakhma and Mahesh Gagda, besides members of the family of late Congress leader Mahendra Karma. The proposed exercise assumes particular significance given the financial and operational resources committed to protecting political functionaries. Reported estimates suggest that VIP security arrangements across Chhattisgarh cost the State exchequer more than Rs 150 crore annually, involving over 1,550 police personnel and approximately 500 vehicles deployed for nearly 400 protected individuals.

 

These figures, however, remain reported estimates rather than independently verified expenditure or deployment statistics. The review follows substantial gains by security forces against Maoist insurgency in Bastar, where the changing operational environment has prompted authorities to reconsider longstanding protection arrangements. Nevertheless, the prospect of reduced security has raised concerns among opposition representatives and some local political leaders, who maintain that threats have not disappeared entirely, particularly in remote and interior areas. The distinction between an improved overall security environment and individual threat perception remains central to the proposed exercise. While the Home Minister has indicated that orders are forthcoming, the precise protection category applicable to each leader, the extent of personnel reductions and the implementation schedule have yet to be formally disclosed. The impending notification will determine how the Government balances revised threat assessments, operational requirements and the continuing security concerns of political representatives in Bastar.