Bulletproof SUVs for CM spark political reactions

Patna: The home department and police headquarters have decided to further beef up the security cover of CM Nitish Kumar by facilitating his movement in bulletproof SUVs in view of a fresh security threat.“While 16 SUVs have already been delivered, four bulletproof SUVs will take some more time to arrive,” a senior officer at the state headquarters said. He added that the assessment of the threat perception to the CM’s security is carried out periodically.Officials refused to divulge the cost of the vehicles, though unconfirmed sources said over Rs11 crore would be spent on procuring the four bulletproof SUVs. Sources also said no decision has yet been taken on whether all four vehicles would be deployed exclusively for the CM or shared with the two deputy CMs.RJD, the main opposition party, reacted cautiously to the purchase of the SUVs. “Bihar is still a poor state with a very low per capita income. News that the CM will be travelling in a bulletproof SUV sounds strange,” said RJD state spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan. He added, “The decision to procure a bulletproof vehicle appears to have been taken within the BJP, which is part of the ruling alliance. CM Nitish Kumar is widely known for his simple lifestyle, and the move could affect his public image.”JD(U) sources, however, said the CM’s security has been heightened in view of a renewed threat perception.Over the past 15 years, the security ring around the CM and his official residence has been tightened on three occasions. The first instance followed a police encounter with CPI (Maoist) cadres in the hills of Lakhisarai district in Aug 2010, in which seven police personnel were killed.Security was further tightened after Maoists put up posters in parts of Aurangabad district in Dec 2011, threatening to blow up the CM’s cavalcade during his ‘Sewa Yatra’. Following this threat, the state govt, with cabinet approval, constituted the Special Security Group (SSG) to provide enhanced protection to the CM.Subsequently, in Nov 2017, the strength of the SSG was increased to extend special security cover to the CM, his official residence, and former CMs, including Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi and Jagannath Mishra.