New Delhi, October 8: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has increased the deployment of additional reserve personnel as part of the security arrangements for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, officials said.
The additional CISF personnel have been deployed at Kumar’s residence in New Moti Bagh Colony, the Election Commission office and as part of his personal security arrangements.
Officials said the reinforcement was carried out on October 7 following directions to increase the strength of personnel kept in reserve for deployment according to the prevailing security situation.
Kumar already has Z+ category security, which is the second-highest level of security cover in the country. The Special Protection Group (SPG) cover provided to the Prime Minister and immediate family is the highest category.
Officials clarified that the latest move does not amount to an upgrade of Kumar’s existing security cover. Instead, additional personnel from the reserve pool are being mobilised as required based on threat perception and security assessments.
“The existing Z+ security cover remains unchanged. The deployment of additional personnel from the reserve pool is a precautionary measure in view of the prevailing situation,” an official said.
The development comes amid nationwide protests by the INDIA bloc, which has been demanding the resignation and removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process.
The opposition alliance, led by senior leaders including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with leaders of the Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress, has accused the Election Commission of India of electoral manipulation and alleged that it is functioning under the influence of the government.
