In a swift move to counter potential dangers, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has ramped up security for Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan following alarming inputs about threats from Pakistan's ISI.
Late Friday night, additional barricades were swiftly erected outside his residences in Bhopal and Delhi, signaling a heightened state of alert even as the senior BJP leader already enjoys top-tier Z+ protection.
The decision comes hot on the heels of intelligence reports indicating that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been actively probing details about Chouhan's movements and routines. A confidential Home Ministry directive, accessed by sources, urged immediate reviews of his security protocols to avert any mishaps. "The ISI's interest is a serious concern, and we're leaving no stone unturned," a senior official remarked anonymously, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Chouhan, a towering figure in Madhya Pradesh politics and a key face of the Modi government's farm reforms, has long been under Z+ cover—a category reserved for high-risk VIPs that includes armed CRPF commandos, pilots, and round-the-clock surveillance. Yet, these fresh inputs prompted the Centre to loop in state heavyweights: Madhya Pradesh DGP, Delhi Police's Special Commissioner (Security), and the MP Chief Secretary. Their mandate? Bolster the existing setup without delay.
In Bhopal, the changes were most visible and urgent. Around midnight, extra layers of barricades sprang up outside his cozy B-8 bungalow at the posh 74 Bungalows area—a home he affectionately calls "Mama Ka Ghar," reflecting his popular "Mama" (maternal uncle) image among voters. Eyewitnesses reported a flurry of activity: police vehicles cordoning off access points, floodlights piercing the night, and more personnel patrolling the perimeter. "It was like a scene from a movie—sudden, but reassuring," said a local resident who lives nearby.
Delhi wasn't left behind. At his official government quarters in the capital, security has been beefed up with additional checkpoints and electronic surveillance. This dual-city upgrade ensures seamless protection whether Chouhan is tending to national duties in New Delhi or connecting with his Bhopal roots.
The timing couldn't be more sensitive. Chouhan, who helmed Madhya Pradesh as Chief Minister for over 16 years before his 2023 cabinet elevation, remains a lightning rod for cross-border tensions. His vocal stance on national security and farmer welfare has often irked adversaries. Analysts point to rising Indo-Pak frictions—fueled by recent border skirmishes and diplomatic spats—as a backdrop for such ISI maneuvers.
Central agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau, are now in overdrive, cross-verifying leads and scanning for patterns. "Proactive steps like these save lives," noted a security expert, emphasizing how intelligence-sharing between states and the Centre has evolved post-26/11.
For Chouhan's supporters, this is yet another testament to his resilience. Social media buzzed with ProtectMama hashtags, blending concern with calls for stronger anti-terror measures. Opposition voices, meanwhile, urged a parliamentary debate on VIP threats.
As Saturday dawned, the enhanced cordons stood firm—a stark reminder of the shadows lurking beyond borders. The Home Ministry assures the public that Chouhan's safety is paramount, with reviews ongoing. In these turbulent times, such vigilance isn't just protocol; it's a shield for democracy's guardians.
