Convoy of menacing security men in black with gun, loud sirens and red beacon atop the vehicles—these are not only the trappings of power, but also of the VIP status that comes with the position of power. Political leaders all over the country love them.
In Punjab, however, these have become a thing of the past, thanks to the move by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh to end the VIP culture in the state. On Wednesday, security trappings of a host of leaders, including Rajya Sabha member Ambika Soni, Jalandhar MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary,
AAP leader and MP Bhagwant Mann, SAD MPs Ranjit Singh Brahmpura and Prem Singh Chandumajra were removed.
The government has also removed the security cover provided to 40 others, including a dozen Akali leaders and former minister Adesh Pratap Singh.
Sources in the government said many of the leaders occupying government houses in Chandigarh and Mohali may be asked to move out.
