The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today strongly condemned the Andhra Pradesh government's decision to downgrade the security cover provided to party supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and demanded it be restored to the original level.
Mr Naidu has been provided with Z+ category of security with National Security Guard (NSG) mobile cover, while security for his son Nara Lokesh, who is a member of Legislative Council, has been dowgraded from Z to X category, the party said.
"The strength of security personnel has been drastically brought down by about 50 per cent from 146 to 67," TDP state president Kala Venkata Rao said in a statement.
The party strongly condemns the politically motivated decision of the security review committee (SRC) and demands restoration of security to its original level, he said.
"Further, the YSRCP-led government stands responsible for any mishap to the above leaders due to the reduction in their cover," Mr Rao said.
Mr Rao further said the state police has found evidence that Mr Naidu and his family members are still facing threat. The government has decided to reduce the security with "mala fide intentions and with a political motivation."
He also said extremists had recently gunned down MLA from Araku Assembly constituency Kidari Sarveswara Rao and another TDP leader Siveri Soma, which indicates their intention of harming political leaders.
Last year, Andhra Pradesh High Court had directed the state government to restore the security of Chandrababu Naidu with 97 police personnel.
Chandrababu Naidu had escaped assassination attempt by Maoists in Tirupati in 2003 when he was the chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh.
Pathetic To See Pregnant Women In 'Dolis' In The Age Of AI: Chandrababu Naidu ''Was Pablo Escobar His friend'': Jagan Reddy's Dig At Chandrababu Naidu When 80% Andhra MLAs Stood Up In Response To This Question By Chandrababu Naidu Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP What Is The Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid's Origin? Scientists Have An Answer AP ICET Counselling 2024 Revised Schedule Out, Check Details Manipuri Girl's 'Jana Gana Mana' Rendition Goes Viral, Wins Praise Online Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.