Tejashwi Yadav, Meira Kumar, and Shatrughan Sinha See Security Downgrade; Giriraj Singh and Nitin Navin’s Security Elevated

Patna: In a significant reshuffle of VIP security in Bihar, the state Home Department has revised the protection details of several prominent leaders following a high-level review. According to the order issued after a senior-level meeting on 16 January 2026, the security cover of Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav has been reduced from Z category to Y+, while central minister Giriraj Singh and BJP leader Nitin Navin have received upgraded protection.

Reduction in Tejashwi Yadav’s Security
The most notable change in the new list is for Tejashwi Yadav. Previously under Z category security, his protection has been downgraded to Y+ category. The department clarified that he will continue to receive an escort vehicle. In contrast, the security arrangements for central minister Giriraj Singh have been strengthened, including provision of a special escort vehicle along with Y+ category protection.

Nitin Navin Gets Bulletproof Cover
BJP National President and senior leader Nitin Navin has seen a substantial upgrade in his security. He will now receive Z category protection along with a bulletproof vehicle. Similarly, BJP state president Sanjay Sarawagi, former minister Mangal Pandey, and central minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh have been accorded Z category security. MP Vivek Thakur’s security has also been upgraded from Y to Y+ category.

Security Downgrades for Former Leaders
Following the review, several veteran leaders have seen reductions in their protection. Former MP Shatrughan Sinha, popularly known as the ‘Bihari Babu,’ has had his security reduced from Z to Y category. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar’s security has been downgraded from Y+ to the minimum X category. Former central minister Pashupati Kumar Paras and ex-Congress MLA Shakeel Ahmed now also have only X category security.

Security Withdrawn Completely
The Home Department has withdrawn security entirely for three influential leaders, considering it unnecessary. These include Congress’ current state president Rajesh Kumar, former state president and legislative council member Madan Mohan Jha, and former Bihar Assembly Speaker Uday Narayan Chaudhary. These leaders will no longer have any official protection.

Other adjustments include giving Jamui MP Arun Bharti Y+ category, while Akhtarul Iman gets Y category protection. JDU legislator Sanjay Kumar Singh will receive Y category security with an escort vehicle, and JDU spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan has been brought under X category protection for the first time.