LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh has stepped up security arrangements for political leaders and other prominent individuals ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with 52 leaders reportedly provided bulletproof jackets costing around ₹10 lakh each, according to sources cited by ANI.
Those reported to have received the protective equipment include Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP leader Mayawati. BJP leader Aparna Yadav is also reportedly among those on the list.
The jackets have reportedly been distributed in two phases. Eight leaders received them in the first phase, while 44 were covered in the second phase.
11 Ministers Among Those Covered
According to the report, 11 Uttar Pradesh ministers have also been provided the bulletproof jackets.
They include Sanjay Nishad, Nand Gopal Gupta 'Nandi' and Om Prakash Rajbhar.
Security arrangements have also reportedly been extended to several other BJP leaders, including Swatantra Dev Singh, Jaiveer Singh and Mahendra Singh.
Sources further said that 98 leaders and other prominent individuals in the state will receive different categories of security protection.
Security Preparations Intensify Ahead of Polls
The enhanced security measures come as political parties begin preparations for the high-stakes 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
The BJP has appointed Vinod Tawde as its Uttar Pradesh election in-charge, with Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel serving as co-in-charge.
The party is also conducting surveys across Assembly constituencies to assess organisational strength, potential candidates and issues likely to influence the election.
Security and Politics
The decision to provide additional protection comes amid heightened political activity in India's most populous state.
Uttar Pradesh has 403 Assembly constituencies, making the 2027 election strategically important for all major political parties.
While the reported bulletproof-jacket distribution is being presented as part of security preparedness, the move also highlights the level of political activity expected to intensify as the election approaches.
The exact security categories assigned to individual leaders, however, depend on threat assessments conducted by the relevant authorities.
