Uttar Pradesh: Y security for 4 MLAs who helped BJP in Rajya Sabha polls.
The BJP-led UP government has provided Y-category security to four SP MLAs who cross-voted for the saffron party in last month’s crucial Rajya Sabha elections.
A senior official told PTI that the protected MLAs are – Abhay Singh from Gosaiganj, Manoj Kumar Pandey of Unchahar, Rakesh Pratap Singh from Gauriganj and Vinod Chaturvedi of Kalpi.
Five of the eight security personnel for each MLA will be stationed at their residences, while the rest will accompany them.
While Abhay Singh received the cover on Friday, the official informed him that the other three received it a day later.
These four, along with Rakesh Pandey, Pooja Pal, and Ashutosh Maurya, helped the BJP triumph, with its candidate Sanjay Seth defeating SP nominee Alok Ranjan. Maharaj Prajapati abstained.
Interestingly, Rakesh Pandey is the father of BSP-turned-BJP MP Ritesh Pandey.
After the results, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the MLAs of switching sides due to security and other benefits from the government.
The move to grant Y security appears to assure the protection of these defectors. It remains politically contentious.
