Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury's security gets downgraded from Y-plus to 'X' category

The security cover of veteran Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury has been downgraded from the 'Y-Plus' category to the 'X' category. Previously, as a Member of Parliament, Chowdhury was entitled to 'Y-Plus' security, which included a deployment of five security personnel. Although security protocols dictate a reduction in cover after losing parliamentary status, he continued to receive higher security even after his defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and his security was further enhanced prior to the 2026 state assembly elections.

This security extension had previously sparked political controversies and sharp criticism from Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Banerjee had questioned why Chowdhury continued to enjoy 'Y-Plus' security without holding an official post, accusing the Congress leader of having a secret understanding with the central government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Critics had also alleged that Chowdhury refrained from aggressively opposing the BJP for personal benefits, though the veteran Congress leader routinely dismissed those accusations.

The decision to officially downgrade his security comes just two months after the BJP took power in West Bengal. Having faced consecutive defeats in both the 24 Lok Sabha and the 26 Assembly elections, Chowdhury currently holds no official public office or state Congress portfolio. When asked about the reduction on Friday, Chowdhury stated that he was unaware of whether his security had been increased or decreased, noting that personnel were still present and emphasizing that he had never requested security from anyone in the first place.