Kerala tightens security around Chief Minister amid BJP protests
Security has been strengthened around Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan after continuing protests by BJP workers. Police deployed additional uniformed and plainclothes personnel at official events and along convoy routes, while Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists staged black-flag demonstrations in Thiruvananthapuram.
Security arrangements for Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan were tightened on Wednesday as protests by BJP workers continued in Thiruvananthapuram and other locations. Additional police personnel, including uniformed and plainclothes officers, were deployed at venues where the Chief Minister attended official programmes.
Officers were also positioned along routes used by Mr Satheesan and other ministers, with particular attention given to roads leading from Cliff House. Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha activists staged black-flag protests shortly after the Chief Minister arrived at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport from New Delhi. Further protests took place in the evening.
In both instances, demonstrators attempted to disrupt the convoy and raised slogans while displaying black flags, but the convoy continued without stopping. The enhanced security followed a series of demonstrations targeting the Chief Minister and ministers by BJP workers. The protests were described as retaliation for Youth Congress demonstrations during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Kollam.
Ministerial convoys, including that of Sports and Youth Affairs Minister O.J. Janeesh, were obstructed a day earlier. The Intelligence wing of the Kerala Police recently instructed district police chiefs to intensify security at public functions and prevent crowds from coming close to the Chief Minister, according to the report.
Mr Satheesan reportedly told police that he did not need an additional security vehicle beyond his regular detail. The instruction came when he arrived for a programme in the State capital and apparently expressed displeasure over the extra measures. Police officials said the Chief Minister’s convoy normally consists of a pilot vehicle and an escort vehicle.
They clarified that an additional vehicle seen ahead of the convoy was not part of it and had travelled in that direction because it was heading to the same destination. The security changes reflect continuing political demonstrations, while the Chief Minister has indicated that he does not want an enlarged convoy beyond his regular protection.
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