Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Naidu defends security for VIPs

HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam Party president, N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday defended security for VIPs saying it was required as long as there was threat perception and no improvement in law and order situation.

At a press conference, Mr. Naidu said such security was imperative even for those who lost power, citing his example of how he had to take certain decisions in the interest of the State during his nine-year rule. “We take decisions in good faith for the State as part of our duties,” he said indicating that they could become soft targets for aggrieved sections.

Mr. Naidu said he would support scaling down security for VIPs corresponding to threat perception and improvement in law and order situation. “After all, given a choice I would also like to enjoy freedom like others.”

He disagreed with a questioner on political parties paying for such security, saying they could not afford. He argued in favour of election reforms providing for State funding of electioneering.

He said during his Delhi visit he would meet CPI (M) and CPI leaders, Prakash Karat and A. B. Bardhan. Unfortunately he may not be able to meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati as she was addressing election meetings in Jammu and Kashmir.

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