look news india
High-voltage drama has once again started in the political corridors of Jharkhand regarding VIP security and facilities provided to leaders. Former Chief Minister of the state and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Babulal Marandi has returned the official Bulletproof Car provided to him by the government, flatly refusing to take it. This step of Babulal Marandi and his sharp attitude is being considered as a big blow to the Home Department and Police Department of Jharkhand Government. The way Marandi refused to take the 13-year-old Khatara vehicle citing threat to his life and safety standards, serious questions have started being raised on the state’s administrative system and security claims in political circles.
What is the whole matter and why is Babulal Marandi angry over the 13 year old car?
According to the information received, a Bulletproof Ambassador or other vehicle was allotted to Babulal Marandi under the status of Leader of Opposition or senior leader of the state by Jharkhand Police Headquarters. When that vehicle was brought to be included in Babulal Marandi’s convoy and technical examination was done, it was found that the vehicle was not a modern and safe vehicle, but a 13 year old old bulletproof car. The condition of this vehicle was so poor that it not only had technical flaws, but it could prove to be a complete failure in protecting the VIPs in case of any emergency or high security threat. As soon as Babulal Marandi came to know about this, he got very angry and with immediate effect he refused to keep the vehicle at his place and sent it back to the police department.
‘Does the government want to play with my life?’ Sharp attack by Babulal Marandi
After the vehicle was returned, sources close to Babulal Marandi and party leaders have launched a scathing attack on the state government. He has raised the question that when the top leaders and Chief Ministers of the state should get modern and state-of-the-art security equipment and vehicles, then is the government deliberately playing with the security of a senior leader by giving him shabby and old vehicles? Babulal Marandi sarcastically said that traveling by trusting a vehicle whose doors and engine can fail at any time midway is equivalent to risking one’s life. He has demanded from the state police administration and the Home Ministry that if the government is not able to provide security or is just following the formalities, then at least it should not be made fun of by giving such old and useless vehicles.
Serious questions raised on VIP security, functioning of Jharkhand Police and Home Department in the dock
After this high-profile incident came to light, the administrative and police system of Jharkhand seems to be exposed. Experts say that in the name of security, a budget worth crores of rupees is passed, but on the ground, politicians and VIPs are given condoms and old vehicles, which points towards huge corruption and administrative negligence. It has now become a common discussion in the political circles of the state whether the ruling party is deliberately making such fuss regarding the security arrangements of big opposition leaders. However, after Babulal Marandi returned the vehicle, there has been a stir in the administration and now it remains to be seen whether after this embarrassment the government provides him a new and modern bulletproof vehicle or this dispute escalates further.