BJP ministers may stop cycling to work over security concerns
For the last two years, BJP’s Arjun Ram Meghwal and Mansukh Mandaviya had been cycling to Parliament. Now, as ministers with tight security protocol, they are finding ways to maintain their old habits.
“Riding a bicycle is not a fashion for me. It’s a passion. It is helpful to the environment as well as my health,” says Mandaviya, the new minister of state for transport, chemicals & fertilizers.
Both the MPs cycled to Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday to take oath, refusing to take cars.
Meghwal said he is inclined to continue cycling to work. “I am aware of the security issues but that doesn’t mean I will stop cycling completely. I will use them whenever it is possible,” he told HT on Thursday.
What may stop them from using bicycles now is the added security cover which they will get as ministers. The two junior ministers are entitled for Y-category security, which means round-the-clock personal security officer and armed guards at their residence.
“I have been given a security briefing. But I will try to find ways to continue my old habit. Travelling on a bike is less fussy than maintaining a car,” said Mandaviya.
An officer of the Union home ministry, which is responsible for making security arrangements for ministers in Delhi, said it will not be advisable for ministers to travel on bikes.
“If the two newly inducted ministers still insist on cycling to work, the personal security officer (PSO) will have no option but to cycle with them. But they will be advised not to cycle and use car. Under the statutory ‘Y’ category security that a central minister is entitled to even if he doesn’t face any threat, the protectee gets a round-theclock PSO and around 15 to 20 guards at residence and office,” said a home ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Meghwal and Mandaviya will not be the first among ministers to shun a car. Former UPA minister Jairam Ramesh used to walk down from his office or Parliament to home. Another UPA minister Veerappa Moily used the Metro for a brief period.