Goa CM refuses Z-plus cover; others' security downgraded

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has not only refused the Z-plus cover recommended to him at a state security review meeting here, but has also decided to either scale down or strip all other ministers of the elite blanket, officials said on Friday.

The security review committee met this week for the first time after Parrikar took over as chief minister following his party's victory in the recent Goa assembly elections.

"The chief minister flatly refused to take Z-plus security cover stating that there is no threat to his life," a senior official said.

"The CM was of the opinion that he should not be afraid of people who have elected him to the Chair," he added. Now, Parrikar is left with only 'Y' category security, which entitles him to one police officer sans escort vehicles.

Also, on the recommendation of the chief minister, the security cover of all other ministers has been downgraded at 'Y', which means they are entitled for minimum required cover.

Those ministers with multiple residences can avail security only at two residences.

Similarly, there will be no security for members of legislative assembly and former ministers.

After the security review, the only person left with the Z-plus security would be State Governor K Sankarnarayanan.  Parrikar said that all policemen withdrawn from VVIP duties will be utilised to maintain law and order in the state.

"Police will look after the security of common man on the streets. We will not pamper any VVIP unnecessarily," he told PTI.

The security cover for former Chief Minister Pratapsingh Rane, who is currently a Congress legislator, has also been downgraded from 40 personnel to only two. His son, Vishwajit Rane, a former Health Minister, was also enjoying a 'Z' status, which has now been stripped.

Also, former Home minister Ravi Naik, who was enjoying 'Z' security, will now have only three personnel at his disposal, while former CM Digambar Kamat's elite 'Z' plus cover has been withdrawn, leaving him with only three personnel.