Big Security Shake-Up: Amit Shah Pulls Protection from 32 BJP Leaders

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): On February 26, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) revoked the security of 32 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in West Bengal, following a routine review. The list included several BJP leaders who had lost in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Among those affected were former Union Minister John Barla, ex-MP Dashrath Tirki, BJP leader Shankudev Panda, and former IPS officer Debashish Dhar. Other names on the list included Abhijeet Das, who lost to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Diamond Harbour constituency, and BJP candidates Piya Saha (Bolpur) and Dhananjoy Ghosh (Jangipur).

Reacting to the security withdrawal, Abhijeet Das, who was in Haridwar at the time, said he had not been informed of the decision. He explained that such actions are routine, as the Ministry of Home Affairs releases a list every three months, following a set protocol. He added that security is sometimes reinstated after review, and he had witnessed similar cases in the past.

BJP MP and State Spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya responded to the news, stating that this was a regular process and that the Centre determines when security is needed. He emphasized that there was no political agenda behind the decision.

The move by the Ministry is part of its periodic review of security arrangements for political leaders in the region. While some leaders are affected by the change, others may see their security reinstated based on future assessments. The revocation has stirred discussions, though the Ministry maintains it was a standard procedure.