The security cover of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia has been reduced but not withdrawn, a senior Punjab Police officer confirmed on Wednesday. This clarification came amid allegations from opposition leaders claiming that the Punjab government had entirely revoked Majithia’s high-level security.
The controversy emerged after SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government had withdrawn Majithia's Z-plus security cover as part of a "political witch-hunt." However, Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla dismissed these claims, stating that Majithia's security had only been scaled down based on a routine threat assessment.
Shukla explained that security arrangements for individuals are periodically reviewed by a designated security review committee, which assesses the level of threat posed to the individual.
"The committee regularly evaluates security requirements and may decide to enhance or reduce security based on its assessment," he said. Following its latest review, the committee recommended a reduction in Majithia’s security cover.
Also Read: Bhagwant Mann part of BJP's troll army: Punjab Congress
Despite this reduction, Shukla assured that Majithia still has adequate protection, including an escort vehicle and a sufficient number of armed personnel.
The matter has sparked sharp political reactions. On Tuesday, Badal took to social media, alleging that the decision to withdraw Majithia’s Z-plus security was a deliberate move by the state government to target the SAD leadership.
"The complete withdrawal of Bikram Singh Majithia's Z-plus security confirms the dangerous and deadly designs of the AAP government against the Akali Dal leadership," Badal posted on X.
Majithia himself strongly criticised the government’s decision, asserting that it was an attempt to intimidate him. "When they failed to silence my voice, they withdrew my security on the evening of March 29," he said, calling the move politically motivated.
Also Read: Punjab Budget: Tech extension centres to be set up in 6 dist
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also weighed in on the issue, questioning the rationale behind the decision. While he refrained from making a direct accusation, Jakhar warned the Bhagwant Mann-led government against using security revocations as a tool for political vendetta.
"Whether the removal of Majithia’s security is politically motivated is a matter for debate, but I must remind the chief minister that personal whims and vendettas should never dictate such rash decisions. Settling personal scores by withdrawing a leader’s security undermines the dignity of the chief minister’s office," Jakhar stated.
The Punjab government has yet to respond officially to the opposition’s allegations, but the issue has ignited a fresh political storm, with opposition parties accusing AAP of using security measures as a means of political retaliation.
Also Read: Punjab govt revokes Z plus security for SAD leader Majithia
Follow us
