Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik receives Y-Plus category security: Odisha CM

BJD president and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik has currently received the Y-plus category of security cover, following the latest revision, informed Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.

The information was disclosed on Tuesday by CM Majhi in the state Legislative Assembly as a response to a written question by Congress MLA Pabitra Saunta.

Under the Y-Plus security arrangement, 11 armed police personnel, including 2 personal security officers (PSOs), have been deployed for Naveen Patnaik's protection, as per the usual protocol.

The former Chief Minister earlier enjoyed a Z-plus level of security cover where over 200 personnel were deployed in three shifts at his residence, Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar along with about 40 personnel from the Commisionerate Police being a part of his motorcade.

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The new Odisha government had earlier revised the security cover being provided to Patnaik right after the general elections. At that time, security personnel deployed for him were reduced to about 45. However, it was still reported to be in the Z category.

In a similar development in October, the Mohan Majhi-led government had stated that most of the security personnel assigned to the state's five-time former chief minister were withdrawn after a high-level committee dealing with security issues of important persons recommended it.

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Meanwhile, Z-Plus security category cover has been provided to both the Governor and the Chief Minister of the state.