Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Tanaji Sawant is one of the 20 non-minister legislators whose security cover has been drastically cut in the latest move by the state home department headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Sawant had a security detail comprising over 40 personnel at his residence and accompanying him. Now, only one security person will be assigned to him.
Why Was The Step Taken?
As reported by the GPlus on Monday, the Y-security cover for 20 MLAs from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, and a few from the BJP and Ajit Pawar’s NCP has been downgraded to a single constable. Sources said Fadnavis reportedly took this step to only reduce the burden on state resources. These MLAs were given security as an extra benefit even though they were not ministers as they brought the downfall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, sources said, while viewing the move as Fadnavis asserting his authority.
A committee, chaired by the state’s Chief Secretary, is responsible for leaders’ security details. Senior state officials said this committee conducts regular reviews and makes adjustments based on reviews without any political interference.
Meanwhile, commenting on the growing tensions among the ruling allies, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took a swipe on Twitter, posting, “Mahayuti celebrating Valentine’s month. Not.”
The rift between the BJP and the Shiv Sena, which started over the appointment of guardian ministers for Raigad and Nashik, an issue still unresolved, has now extended to other matters as well. Shinde has been avoiding public appearances with Fadnavis.
Last month, he skipped a meeting of the Nashik Metropolitan Regional Development Authority called by Fadnavis and was also absent at the inauguration of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate.
