Majithia Claims Complete Withdrawal of Security, Punjab Govt Says It Was Only Pruned
The Punjab government on Wednesday refuted claims of completely withdrawing security cover for senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, asserting instead that his security had merely been scaled down. Majithia, however, accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of misleading the public after facing backlash.
In a statement issued in the evening, Majithia alleged that all security personnel assigned to him were withdrawn on Saturday. He dismissed the government's clarification as a “face-saving” move following criticism from opposition parties and the public.
Earlier in the day, the Punjab Police had clarified that Majithia’s security cover was not entirely removed. A spokesperson stated that the decision was based on the Security Review Committee's recent threat assessment, which led to a downsizing of his security detail. “Security for public figures is regularly reviewed and adjusted as per the threat perception,” the spokesperson said, adding that Majithia continues to have an escort vehicle and a sufficient number of armed personnel.
Responding sharply, Majithia questioned the rationale behind extending Z-plus security to Bibhav Kumar, personal assistant to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, despite his being accused in a molestation case. He further criticized the provision of security to Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia—both based in Delhi and currently under investigation in the liquor policy scam—while reducing protection for political opponents in Punjab.
Meanwhile, AAP leaders hit back. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema remarked, “It’s surprising to see how this issue has brought the opposition together. It only reinforces how the previous Akali-BJP government protected drug networks.” AAP state president Aman Arora echoed the sentiment, alleging that the united front in defense of Majithia showed that the Congress, SAD, and BJP were not serious about eradicating the drug menace in Punjab.
The exchange has intensified political tensions in the state, with security decisions now at the center of a broader political narrative.
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