Bulletproof shield for 52 UP leaders ahead of 2027 polls
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have issued bulletproof jackets to 52 political leaders as part of enhanced security measures before the 2027 Assembly elections, according to sources familiar with the arrangements.
The recipients include Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, and Bahujan Samaj Party President Mayawati. Additionally, 11 State ministers have been provided with the protective equipment, including Sanjay Nishad, Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’, Om Prakash Rajbhar, and BJP leader Aparna Yadav. Further, security cover has been extended to other BJP leaders, including Swatantra Dev Singh, Jaiveer Singh, and Mahendra Singh. The cost of each jacket is estimated at approximately `10 lakh.
The distribution occurred in two phases, with eight leaders receiving jackets in the first phase and 44 in the second. This procurement and allocation constitute part of a broader review of security protocols for political figures and prominent persons within the State.
In addition to the 52 leaders equipped with jackets, sources indicate that a total of 98 individuals across Uttar Pradesh will receive security under various categories.
Bulletproof shield for 52 UP leaders ahead of 2027 polls
The provision of ballistic protection is considered an additional layer beyond conventional armed escorts and does not necessarily imply an upgrade in security classification.
Officials stated that the jackets were allocated based on existing security categories ranging from Y to Z+. This assessment coincides with a period of increased political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, during which parties have begun organisational preparations, including leadership appointments and evaluations of social dynamics and candidate profiles.
Distribution of the jackets has been extended across party lines, encompassing both the ruling and opposition factions. Security officials confirmed that the jackets are modern protective equipment intended for leaders expected to engage extensively with the public during the electoral period.
No official statement has been issued regarding the specific selection or the intelligence considerations that influenced the decision. Information regarding additional protective measures or budget allocations for these items remains unavailable from official sources. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts by state authorities to strengthen security arrangements for political leaders as the electoral calendar approaches.
“Further details on the complete list of recipients beyond those already identified, as well as any deployment of supplementary personnel or technological measures, will be provided by the relevant security agencies in due course, “ well-placed sources told The Pioneer.
