SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav Says He Hasn't Got Bulletproof Jacket Yet (Img: X)
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday said that he has not received the bulletproof jacket reportedly being arranged by the Uttar Pradesh government for his security.
Taking a dig at the security measure, Akhilesh said that even if he receives the jacket, he will not use it and would give it to journalists instead. The statement came after reports that the Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to provide bulletproof jackets to 44 leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati.
According to sources, the UP Security Headquarters has purchased bulletproof jackets worth around Rs 10 lakh as a precautionary measure amid security concerns and intelligence inputs ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Apart from opposition leaders, 11 ministers in the Yogi Adityanath-led government are also expected to receive the protective gear.
The list reportedly includes ministers such as Sanjay Nishad and Nand Gopal Nandi, along with other prominent leaders facing security concerns.
The move comes at a time when political activities in Uttar Pradesh are expected to intensify ahead of the Assembly elections. Security arrangements for political leaders are reviewed periodically based on threat perception and intelligence assessments.
Leaders with higher security categories are often provided additional protective measures depending on inputs from security agencies.
During his interaction with reporters, Akhilesh Yadav also attacked the BJP government and said that the Samajwadi Party does not break alliances.
He said, “When the Samajwadi Party decides to move forward with others, it stands by them and honours its commitments.”
Akhilesh reiterated that his party’s goal is to form a government based on social justice and socialist ideology, with focus on the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit and Alpsankhyak) framework.
Reacting to Japanese students taking selfies with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Akhilesh claimed that they may not have done enough research before meeting him.
He also launched attacks on the BJP government over inflation and alleged police high-handedness, saying common people are facing difficulties.
