Centre extends CRPF cover to six rebel Shiv Sena MPs

The central government has extended Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) security cover to six Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament who recently switched allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led faction. This new security detail, assigned on Monday, supplements the Y-plus category protection that Maharashtra Police had already provided on June 17. Officials stated that CRPF personnel will serve as personal security officers (PSOs) for the six MPs, ensuring enhanced protection. The decision follows a threat assessment conducted by central agencies following recent political shifts in Maharashtra. The six MPs, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, and Sanjay Patil, joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena on June 22. Their defection bolsters the Shinde faction's presence in Parliament and increases the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) numbers. If recognized by the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Shinde-led Sena's strength in the lower house will rise to 13, making it the NDA's largest constituent from Maharashtra and increasing the alliance's total tally to 299 seats.

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CRPF personnel have taken over the security and will be posted primarily as personal security officers (PSOs) for the six MPs. The security provided by the Maharashtra Police will also continue. There is enhanced protection for the MPs.