The Central government has provided VIP security cover, including armed commandos, to BJP’s Lok Sabha election candidate from Hyderabad Madhavi Latha in view of possible security threats against her, official sources said on Monday.
The 49-year-old politician has been given a mid-tier ‘Y Plus’ category mobile security cover during his stay and tours in Telangana.
Sources said that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) VIP Security Wing has taken over the responsibility of the task assigned by the Union Home Ministry.
A classical dancer and an entrepreneur, Lata is set to take on sitting Hyderabad MP and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi in his stronghold in the May 13 general elections.
A threat perception report prepared by central intelligence and security agencies recommended security cover for Lata, following which the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the security, sources said.
Under the ‘Y Plus’ security protocol, a squad of four to five armed personnel will remain with Lata round the clock.
The classification of VIP protection cover starts from the highest Z Plus followed by Z, Y Plus, Y and X.
The Hyderabad constituency, which includes the old city of Hyderabad with a predominantly Muslim population, has been an AIMIM stronghold.
Asaduddin Owaisi has won from this constituency four times since 2004.
Before him, his father Sultan Salahuddin Owaisi had represented Hyderabad in the Lok Sabha for six consecutive terms between 1984 and 2004.