Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal, who is expected to be sworn in as Chief Minister later this week, has refused the customary ‘Z’ category security cover from the Delhi Police.
However, Special Commissioner (Security) J. K. Sharma said: “Our officers have met Mr. Kejriwal and informed him that this level of security was essential for the Chief Minister of the national capital. We have received positive indications, and hope that he agrees to the security cover.”
Stating that God is his biggest security, Mr. Kejriwal, in response to a Delhi Police letter on Monday, thanked them for offering the security cover. Yet, he said: “As I have already informed earlier, I don’t need any security. I do not need any escort or personal security officer.”
“However, I would be grateful if some help is provided for crowd management or security at a few places where I get mobbed,” he said.
Earlier in the day, after the party announced that it would form a government headed by Mr. Kejriwal, Additional Commissioner of Police (Security) V. Renganathan wrote to his private secretary that the Delhi Police had been providing the ‘Z’ category security cover to the Chief Minister. “Since Mr. Arvind Kejriwal is going to take over as Chief Minister, the Delhi Police need to give the security cover to him as per the norms. Kindly indicate where the security personnel should report to Shri Arvind Kejriwal,” the letter said.
Seeking a referendum on government formation with the outside support of the Congress, the party a week ago laid down 18 conditions. The first among them was an end to the VIP culture in Delhi. The party said no MLA, Minister or official would be allowed to use vehicles with red beacons. They would not live in bungalows and not ask for special security. “Every minister/official should live like a common man.”
A senior police officer says the ‘Z’ category security is given on two criteria: position and threat perception. “Threat perception is inherent to the position of a Chief Minister. Therefore, a security cover is extended. In the second case, a threat perception auditing is done, and the Union Home Ministry takes a decision on whether to give the subject the security cover or not. The individual can decline it.”
