Days after joining BJP, Leander Paes gets X-category security cover ahead of Bengal polls

Days after joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, former tennis star Leander Paes has been granted X-category security cover by the Ministry of Home Affairs, with CISF personnel deployed for his protection. The decision comes at a time of heightened political activity ahead of key Assembly elections, including in West Bengal, where Paes is expected to play an active role.

Under the X-category security arrangement, trained security personnel are assigned to ensure personal safety. The move has drawn attention due to its timing, closely following Paes’s formal entry into the BJP, signaling his transition into a more visible and active political role in the run-up to the elections.

Paes, who joined the party in Delhi last week, described his decision as “not just a formality but a responsibility,” expressing his intent to contribute to national development. Prior to this, he had been associated with the All India Trinamool Congress and had campaigned for the party in earlier elections. His switch has triggered political reactions, with criticism from his former party.

The BJP has named Paes among its star campaigners for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly polls, placing him alongside senior leaders such as Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. The move reflects a broader strategy to combine political leadership with prominent public figures to enhance outreach, particularly among youth and sports communities, as the election campaign intensifies.