Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju get security upgrade

NEW DELHI: A day after granting Z-plus category security to BJP general secretary Amit Shah, the government on Thursday upgraded the security cover of Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju.

Both have been now given Z category security. They earlier enjoyed Y category security. Sources said the decision was taken after a threat assessment from Intelligence Bureau. "In any case, their position itself makes them vulnerable to attacks and thus the security upgrade," said a home ministry official.

This is the fourth decision by the government on upgrade or grant of security to VIPs after it came to power. In the last two decisions, it had upgraded the security of NSA Ajit Doval from Z to Z-plus category and given Z-plus security to Amit Shah.

The decisions were taken after home minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday held a meeting to review security of VIPs and vital installations in the country. Singh said security of VIPs must be strengthened after fresh security assessment.