Mamata govt to give Z category security to Prashant Kishor

Kolkata, Feb 18 (IANS) The West Bengal government has decided to provide Z category security to election strategist Prashant Kishor amid intelligence inputs that he could come under attack, sources in the state secretariat said on Tuesday.

The Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congrees roped in Kishor to boost its electoral fortune after the BJP came up with an impressive show, capturing 18 of the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state in last year's general elections.

Sources said that with Kishor slated to play a significant role in Bengal politics ahead of next year's Assembly polls, his security has been enhanced to prevent any untoward incident.

Kishor has expressed his keenness to tour the districts extensively before and after the April-May statewide municipal polls in order to chalk out a detailed strategy for the Assembly elections.

The intelligence reports have expressed apprehensions that Kishor could become a soft target during his district tours. The state government has decided to upgrade Kishor's security cover in view of the threat perception after assessing the reports.

Persons enjoying Z category security in the state are provided pilot and escort vehicles round the clock, besides a team of 12-16 security personnel from among state police ranks. Some commandoes are also drafted into the security ring.

At present, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew and Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee get Z plus category security in the state.

Among those given Z category security are Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar and Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari.