Centre to Withdraw Akhilesh Yadav’s NSG ‘Black Cat’ Security Cover

The Centre has decided to withdraw the Z+ category National Security Guard (NSG) ‘black cat’ commando cover of Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, which he was given in 2012 under the UPA government. The move comes nearly a year after he vacated his government bungalow.

The decision

According to sources, the decision followed a comprehensive review by the Union Home Ministry of VIPs protected by the Central Armed Police Forces, and was based on threat assessments by central and Uttar Pradesh intelligence agencies. About 22 NSG commandos carrying sophisticated weapons had been assigned to Akhilesh.

It was not yet clear whether he would get a reduced cover from another central force or lose central security altogether. The NSG cover of his father, SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, will continue, the sources said.

Wider review

At least two dozen other VIPs have also had their security withdrawn or reduced, and official orders are expected soon, officials said. The NSG currently protects 13 prominent politicians, among them Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Mayawati, a former chief minister of the state, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, and Farooq Abdullah and Chandrababu Naidu, both former chief ministers.

See also: Samajwadi Party | Political leaders

Originally published on 23 July 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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