2 dozen BJP netas provided Z security cover in UP, Punjab

New Delhi: The Union government has accorded the central VIP security cover of armed paramilitary commandos to close to two dozen BJP leaders in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, including the "Z" category security cover to Union minister S P S Baghel, the party candidate against SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh, officials said on Wednesday.

Some candidates in these two states have been provided security till the poll process ends, they added. Some of the protectees will have the central cover over and above their state police security. Besides Baghel, the other prominent name among those accorded "Z" category security is BJP MP from Delhi and singer Hans Raj Hans.

Baghel is contesting the UP Assembly polls against the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief from the Karhal seat. The BJP had alleged on Tuesday that Baghel's convoy was attacked by "SP goons" in Mainpuri district of the state.

Also, BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi Lok Sabha seat Ramesh Chand Bind has been granted the smaller "X" category of CISF cover in his state.

The CRPF has been asked to provide security to at least 20 politicians or candidates in these two states. From Punjab, the names include Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, SAD (Sanyukt) leader and party candidate Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Avtar Singh Zira.