Atishi, former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, has had her security downgraded. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to reduce her security cover from 'Z' category to 'Y' category, issuing necessary instructions to the Delhi Police.
New Delhi: A significant change has been made to the security arrangements for Atishi Marlena, a senior AAP leader and former Cabinet Minister in the Delhi government. The MHA has directed a reduction of her security from the previously assigned 'Z' category to 'Y' category. This decision is based on a recent security assessment report by security agencies, which concluded that Atishi faces no imminent or significant threat.
The Delhi Police's security branch confirmed the change following the MHA's instructions, stating that Atishi will now receive security with a reduced number of personnel under the new protocol.
Central Agencies' Review Forms Basis
According to sources, central intelligence agencies and the Delhi Police submitted a report to the MHA after regularly reviewing Atishi's security situation. The report indicated that Atishi does not currently face any serious or specific threat. Based on this report, the MHA decided to downgrade her security from 'Z' to 'Y' category.
A senior police officer stated, “This decision is taken under prudent management of security resources. Security is not provided based on political advantage, but determined by the reality of threats. Atishi will now be provided security by a team of 12 personnel, including two trained commandos from the Delhi Police.”
Reduction in Facilities
Along with the change in security category, several government facilities provided to Atishi will be reduced. The pilot car, bulletproof vehicle, and large number of security personnel she received under 'Z' category will no longer be provided. Under 'Y' category, she will receive a limited number of vehicles and a smaller security detail. Furthermore, traffic clearance or special route facilities during her travel, previously provided under 'Z' category, will also be discontinued.
Questions Raised About Kejriwal's Security
The Delhi Police recently sought guidance from the MHA regarding the security of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal currently enjoys 'Z+' category security, including NSG (National Security Guard) commandos and support from other security agencies. However, the MHA has decided not to change Kejriwal's security at this time, but has directed a reduction in Atishi's security, considering the perceived lower risk.
This is not the first instance of security reductions for AAP leaders. In March 2025, the Delhi Police proposed withdrawing the 'Y' category security of former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, MLA Ajay Dutt, and former Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goyal. The reasoning was the same—that these leaders did not face any significant threat at present.
Aam Aadmi Party's Response
AAP has not yet issued an official statement on this decision, but party sources say they are seriously considering the matter. The party may perceive this as a politically motivated action, given the continuous tension between the central government and the Delhi government in recent months.
However, MHA officials clearly state that the decision is based entirely on security assessments and not on any political considerations. The change in security category for a prominent leader like Atishi indicates the government's intention to allocate security resources only based on genuine needs.
