CEC Rajiv Kumar gets 'Z'-category security cover
The Union government has recently strengthened the security measures for Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar. As per official sources, he has been provided with a Z-category VIP security cover of armed commandos. According to reports, this decision was taken in response to potential threats identified against the senior official of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
CRPF assigned to ensure CEC Kumar's safety
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been entrusted with the task of ensuring Kumar's safety by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The CRPF is expected to deploy a team of approximately 40-45 personnel for this purpose. 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.
Armed commands to accompany CEC during his travels
The armed commandos will accompany the CEC during his travels across the country, according to reports. Kumar is a retired Indian Administrative Services officer of the 1984 batch. He took charge as the 25th CEC on May 15, 2022. He had been appointed as an election commissioner in the poll body on September 1, 2020.
Rare case of CEC being provided security cover
The CEC, as well as two election commissioners, are currently guarded by a small armed security team drawn from the Delhi Police. This is one of the rarest instances of a CEC being provided a central security cover. Former CEC, late TN Seshan, had a central security cover at one point of time. The VIP security cover categorisations begin from the highest "Z+" followed by "Z," "Y+," "Y" and "X."
Voting for Lok Sabha elections in 7 phases
The stage is set for a high-stakes political battle, in which the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is seeking a third term. On the other hand, opposition parties led by the Congress have come together under the banner—Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance—as a united front against the saffron party. The voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will take place in seven phases starting from April 19. The results will be declared on June 4.
