Shivraj Singh Chouhan on ISI radar, security raised after delay:Home Ministry warned on November 12, but cover enhanced after 30 days; PCC chief Patwari calls it major negligence

In a significant security lapse, the Madhya Pradesh Police enhanced the security of Union Minister and former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan nearly a month after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) warned of interest shown by Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, in the senior leader. The Home Ministry had sent a letter on November 12 to the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, directing that Chouhan’s security be strengthened in view of the intelligence inputs. However, ground-level action was taken only after about 30 days, prompting sharp criticism from the opposition. Home Ministry letter warned of ISI interest According to the letter dated November 12, sent by the IS-1 Division (VIP Security Unit) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, central security agencies had received inputs indicating that the ISI was showing interest in gathering information related to Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Taking the threat seriously, the Centre reviewed Chouhan’s security and advised both the Madhya Pradesh government and the Delhi Police (Special Commissioner – Security) to further strengthen and balance his security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident. A copy of this letter is with Bhaskar. Z+ security already in place Chouhan currently enjoys Z+ category security provided by the Central Government, with the Madhya Pradesh government also extending Z+ security cover at the state level. Despite this, the Home Ministry specifically requested a reassessment and reinforcement of security measures in light of the new intelligence input. Security strengthened after one month Although the advisory was issued on November 12, Bhopal Police acted only on December 12. Additional security measures, including barricading and deployment of extra police force, were put in place outside Chouhan’s official residence B-8 and B-9 at 74 Bungalow area in Bhopal. Congress slams delay, calls it negligence Reacting to the delay, Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari termed it a serious lapse by both the Centre and the state government. “Shivraj Singh Chouhan is a former Chief Minister. When it comes to security, the government should act immediately. A letter coming a month earlier and security being enhanced after 30 days is sheer negligence,” Patwari said. “If there is a threat perception, the government must act positively and responsibly,” he added. Repeated incidents of convoys being stopped Over the past three to four months, multiple incidents have been reported where Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s convoy was stopped or security cordons were breached during public visits. Khategaon: Youth sat in front of minister’s car On December 23, during a visit to Khategaon, Congress leader Rohit Bandawala stopped Chouhan’s convoy by suddenly sitting in front of his vehicle. He raised issues related to the acquisition of farmers’ land for railway and highway projects. The sudden breach caused momentary tension among security personnel, though the situation was later brought under control. Sehore: Congress leaders block convoy On October 6, in the Bilkisganj area of Sehore district, Congress leaders stopped Chouhan’s convoy while protesting over farmers’ compensation and crop insurance issues. They later submitted a memorandum and even presented him with a rose. Responding in a light-hearted manner, Chouhan said, I am ‘Mama’ after all. I stop wherever people ask me to. I listen to everyone. Let the discussion happen first, slogans can come later. His remark drew smiles from the protesting leaders. Satna: Convoy halted over fertiliser shortage Earlier, on September 11, Congress leaders in Satna stopped the convoy of the Union Minister over issues related to fertiliser shortage. District Congress president and MLA Siddharth Kushwaha raised concerns about irregular fertiliser supply affecting farmers’ crops. He pointed out that farmers were already struggling due to natural calamities and high input costs, and the fertiliser crisis was adding to their distress. Security concerns under spotlight With repeated convoy stoppages and fresh intelligence inputs indicating ISI interest, the delay in reinforcing Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s security has raised serious questions about coordination and responsiveness between the Centre and the state administration. The issue has once again brought VIP security protocols and their implementation timelines under public and political scrutiny.