No more VIP duty please: NSG

Parliament could not function properly on Thursday because UP Chief Minister Mayawati's partymen were enraged at the thought of their leader's security being scaled down. Maya's MPs disrupted both the Houses to such an extent that they had to be adjourned twice.

But could VIP security change altogether?

NDTV has learnt that the elite National Security Guards (NSG), used for special operations like 26/11, wants to wash its hands of guarding VIPs altogether; they'd rather focus on terror entirely but will the government agree?

The NSG wants to re-deploy the commandos for anti-terror operations, what they were originally intended for, and after 26/11 it believes they have a stronger case.

The NSG has told the Union Home Ministry:

• It cannot protect any more people as it is short of hands
• That affects operational capabilities
• The NSG wants most of the 3000 or so commandos on VIP guard duty to be redeployed in the four new hubs set up after the Mumbai attacks
• This itself could fill as many as half the vacancies

But will the government be politically brave and at least reduce the number of VIPs protected by black cats?

On Thursday, when BSP MPs disrupted the House opposing any cut in Mayawatis security the government quickly clarified.

"Government is deeply concerned about the security of all political leaders who have been given security. I want to assure the House that security will not be reduced," said Prithiviraj Chavan, Minister of State, PMO.

The Home Ministry hasn't agreed to the NSG pull out yet but sources say the government could keep its promise and free NSG commandoes and give VIPs commandos from other central forces.

The big question is whether the home minister who has set an example himself go by political compulsion or national security.

Even if that means withdrawing the NSG cover of people like Bhajan Lal and Buta Singh who got these guards at the height of their power years ago when their threat perception was higher.