West Bengal Government Revokes Abhishek Banerjee's Z Plus Security

In a significant move, the West Bengal government has withdrawn the Z Plus security previously provided to Abhishek Banerjee, a prominent leader of the Trinamool Congress. This decision follows a broader reassessment of security protocols for political figures in the state. The Chief Minister has emphasized the need to eliminate unnecessary expenditures on security for leaders who do not face genuine threats. As a result, Banerjee will now only receive standard security typically allocated to Members of Parliament. This change reflects a shift in the state's approach to political security following the recent government transition.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 12:21 IST

Security Withdrawal for Abhishek Banerjee

Kolkata: The West Bengal government has decided to revoke the Z Plus security previously granted to Abhishek Banerjee. According to officials, the Trinamool Congress General Secretary and MP will no longer receive the additional security and the special pilot car service that accompanied it. Abhishek Banerjee had been under Z Plus security for over a decade, but following the recent change in government, a reduction in his security began. The new state administration has now fully withdrawn this level of protection, with an administrative order issued on Monday afternoon.

Changes in Security Arrangements

Officials have indicated that not only is Abhishek Banerjee's additional security being removed, but the pilot car service he enjoyed is also being discontinued. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari held several meetings at Nabanna on Monday, starting with an administrative review followed by discussions with district magistrates and senior police officials.

Concerns Over Unnecessary Expenditure

Sources suggest that during these meetings, issues related to the security of leaders were discussed. The Chief Minister conveyed a clear message that unnecessary security would not be provided to leaders who do not face real threats. He questioned the rationale behind spending government funds merely to project influence or status, leading to a reassessment of Abhishek Banerjee's security classification.

Standard Security for MPs

Previously, Abhishek Banerjee was seen traveling with a pilot car, but following government directives, this facility will no longer be available. He will now receive only the standard security typically afforded to an MP. Administrative sources claim that his security arrangements will now align with the guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs, with additional security forces and special provisions being phased out.

Gradual Reduction of Security

Since the announcement of election results in Bengal, Abhishek Banerjee's security has been gradually diminished. During the tenure of the Trinamool government, there was a heavy police presence around his office, but this was the first to be reduced after the government change. Subsequently, security around his residence on Harish Mukherjee Road was also scaled back, with police protection and security equipment removed from his home, 'Shantiniketan.'

Reduced Security for Mamata Banerjee

Additionally, security around former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence has also been decreased. Mamata resides on Harish Chatterjee Street, where barricades were removed within 24 hours of the government change, and Kolkata police subsequently withdrew additional security personnel.