JJP Accuses BJP of Political Motivation Behind Haryana Police Security Withdrawal

Jannayak Janta Party leader Digvijay Chautala has labeled the recent security reduction as "politically motivated" following actions by Haryana Police.

A political confrontation has erupted after Haryana Police conducted a security pruning exercise that has particularly angered the BJP's former coalition partner, the Jannayak Janta Party.

On Thursday, following a comprehensive district-level review of security provisions based on legitimate threat and extortion assessments, Haryana Police removed protection for 72 individuals, which released over 200 Personal Security Officers from their duties. Police officials have emphasized that this evaluation process will continue, with security now strictly limited to those facing genuine and assessed threats rather than being allocated based on political connections or public prominence.

JJP leader Digvijay Chautala has characterized the action as politically driven and stemming from anxiety within the BJP government, suggesting it was a response to his party's well-attended rally in Julana on December 7. Chautala asserted that the BJP observed the substantial attendance at the rally and became concerned by the JJP's renewed political momentum.

According to Chautala, security was withdrawn from four JJP leaders despite their protection being granted following specific threats. He referenced the shooting incident at singer-politician Rahul Fazilpuria's Gurugram residence as evidence that threats against JJP leaders are genuine and continuing.

Intensifying his criticism, Chautala questioned the state's security situation, claiming that Haryana now ranks fourth nationally in crime rates, has experienced 4,500 kidnapping cases, and is seeing an unprecedented increase in murders, robberies, and dacoities during Director General of Police OP Singh's leadership.

He also criticized comments attributed to the DGP regarding "bullet-riding" youth, describing such thinking as backward, and questioned whether Singh should remain in his position.

In a communication to colleagues on Thursday morning urging stronger action against criminals, the DGP had addressed the issue of security misuse.

"Frequently, certain individuals are observed flaunting police security at shopping centers, movie theaters, weddings, and funeral services. Such opportunists should be blacklisted. The force already faces staffing shortages. What purpose does it serve to assign personnel to such unnecessary tasks?" he wrote.

The directive to withdraw security was issued later that same day.

'Politicising Issue'

In response to the JJP's claims, BJP leader and Haryana Minister Vipul Goyal urged against politicizing the matter, stating that security is provided only following police assessment and is withdrawn when individuals misuse it to exert influence or project importance.

BJP representatives further suggested that the JJP was attempting to garner sympathy over the security reduction, maintaining that those facing legitimate threats would continue receiving protection.