As the assembly elections of 2016 is drawing near and the poll campaigns would start from March, the home department has proposed the procurement of 10 bullet-proof SUVs to enhance the security of chief minister Mamata Banerjee. But, some of these cars will also be used for other dignitaries, when they will campaign in various parts of the state.
A senior Nabanna official said that tenders have been floated for the procurement of 10 bullet-proof cars and the supplier will have to provide the cars by March 1, 2016. Although the security officials had earlier constantly asked the CM to use a bullet-proof car during her official tours, Banerjee refused to do so except during her trips to Jangalmahal.
According to an official said that the Santro car which the CM uses daily basis is not bullet proof. The security officials are worried with the inputs that Maoists are regrouping in Jangalmahal. The home department does not want to take any chance, since the CM would visit the remote areas of Purulia, Midnapore (west) and Bankura, where the rebels are reportedly gaining grounds.
A senior Nabanna official said that tenders have been floated for the procurement of 10 bullet-proof cars and the supplier will have to provide the cars by March 1, 2016. Although the security officials had earlier constantly asked the CM to use a bullet-proof car during her official tours, Banerjee refused to do so except during her trips to Jangalmahal.
According to an official said that the Santro car which the CM uses daily basis is not bullet proof. The security officials are worried with the inputs that Maoists are regrouping in Jangalmahal. The home department does not want to take any chance, since the CM would visit the remote areas of Purulia, Midnapore (west) and Bankura, where the rebels are reportedly gaining grounds.