Security upgraded for Tejashwi, Samrat and others ahead of Bihar polls

Ahead of the assembly election, the Bihar government has upgraded the security cover of six leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav.

The Home Department (Special Branch) issued the notification on August 9, however it was shared to the media on Monday (August 11, 2025).

Special Secretary of Home Department K. Suhita Anupam has written a letter to the Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) to make the arrangement for security after the decision was taken in the meeting of the State Security Committee on August 1, 2025.

The security cover of two MPs has also been upgraded, which includes Purnia Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav and Araria MP Pradeep Kumar Singh of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The list also includes two lawmakers from the ruling Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] - MLA Gyanendra Kumar Singh Gyanu representing Barh assembly constituency and MLC Neeraj Kumar.

According to the notification, BJP leader Mr. Choudhary will be now covered under ‘Z+’ along with Advanced Security Liaison (ASL). Similarly, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Mr. Tejashwi has been given ‘Z’ category security cover.

‘Threats to life’

Last month during the Monsoon Session, Rabri Devi, former Chief Minister of Bihar had raised concern over the security of her son Tejashwi Yadav claiming four attempts were made to assassinate him. She had accused the ruling BJP and JD(U) claiming that the life of the former Deputy Chief Minister was under severe threat and his security cover should be reviewed or enhanced.

Last month, Tej Pratap Yadav, the MLA and former minister who has been expelled from the RJD for six years had said that his life was in danger and demanded more security from the State government. However, his name does not figure in the list.

The security cover of Pappu Yadav, Mr. Singh and Mr. Gyanu have been upgraded to ‘Y+’, whereas Mr. Kumar is now entitled to ‘Y’ category security.

A few months back, Pappu Yadav claimed that he had received a death threat call in the name of the gangster Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Later, police arrested that person and clarified that no connection was made to the notorious gangster.

A senior officer in the special branch said that the decision has been taken, keeping the upcoming assembly election in mind, as these leaders would be taking part in several public meetings during the campaign.