In a significant move reflecting changes in perceived threats, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the Delhi Police to downgrade the security cover of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi chief minister Atishi. She will now receive ‘Y’ category security, down from the earlier ‘Z’ category.
Why the Downgrade?
The decision followed a detailed review conducted by central intelligence and security agencies. According to officials, no current or new significant threat was found that justified maintaining the high-level ‘Z’ category protection.
“The assessment revealed there’s no pressing threat at present, which made it feasible to scale down her security,” said a senior police source.
What This Means for Atishi’s Security Setup
The downgrade changes both the number and type of personnel involved in Atishi’s protection detail. Here’s a quick comparison:
Security Detail Comparison Table
| Security Category | No. of Personnel | Commandos Included | Pilot Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z Category | 20–22 personnel | 4–6 commandos | Yes |
| Y Category | Around 12 personnel | 2 commandos | No |
With the change, the pilot vehicle that once accompanied her is no longer part of her convoy.
Backdrop of the Decision
The downgrade wasn’t entirely unexpected. Earlier, the Delhi Police’s security unit had approached the MHA to review the security arrangements for top AAP leaders, including:
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Arvind Kejriwal (currently under Z-plus category)
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Atishi
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Manish Sisodia (former deputy CM)
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Ajay Dutt (AAP MLA)
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Ram Niwas Goel (former Delhi Speaker)
Initially, the Ministry had advised against changes. However, a more recent internal communication resulted in instructions to downgrade Atishi’s protection.
Atishi’s Political Journey: A Quick Recap
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Held Briefly as CM: Atishi was assigned ‘Z’ security after assuming the role of Delhi’s chief minister, albeit for a short tenure.
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Leader of Opposition: Following AAP’s defeat in the February 5 Delhi elections, she was elected as the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly.
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Legislative Party Leader: AAP MLAs unanimously backed her for the role.
Security Cover: Who Decides?
Security for political leaders isn’t arbitrary. It is guided by regular threat assessments led by central agencies and intelligence bodies under the Ministry of Home Affairs. These evaluations are based on:
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Intelligence reports
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Political visibility
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Public engagements
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Potential threats from extremist groups or individuals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does ‘Y’ category security include?
‘Y’ category typically includes around 12 personnel, including two commandos. It offers personal security but excludes luxuries like a pilot vehicle.
2. Why was Atishi’s security downgraded now?
After a recent threat assessment, central agencies concluded there was no significant threat to her safety that required ‘Z’ level security.
3. Who decides the level of security for politicians?
Security categorization is done by central intelligence and security agencies, in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
4. Does the downgrade mean Atishi is less safe now?
Not necessarily. The downgrade reflects a lower perceived threat—not a lack of protection. She will still be guarded by trained security personnel.
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Sachin is a dedicated writer specializing in education, career, and recruitment topics, delivering clear and actionable insights to empower readers.