Administrator
10 November 2026
The return of an ageing, frequently malfunctioning security vehicle by former Jharkhand Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has brought the state's VIP security arrangements under scrutiny.The Hemant Soren government prefers to remain quiet.
Beyond a political disagreement, the issue raises a larger question: are security provisions for public representatives being maintained to the standards their responsibilities demand?
AN UNSAFE VEHICLE, A STRONG PROTEST
Marandi has formally returned the 13-year-old bulletproof Tata Safari allocated to him, citing repeated breakdowns during journeys and concerns over the reliability of his security arrangements. In a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, he asked the Home Department to accept the vehicle formally and issue an acknowledgement to his office.
He also questioned the condition of his escort fleet, reportedly comprising three police Gypsies, each having covered over four lakh kilometres and fallen into disrepair.The CM Soren has not responded to his demand of VIP security arrangement.
A SECURITY CONCERN WITH A DEEPER PERSONAL HISTORY
The issue carries an especially serious context. On the night of October 26–27, 2007, Marandi's 21-year-old son, Anup Marandi, was among 17–20 people reportedly killed in a Maoist attack involving indiscriminate firing and bomb explosions. Reports suggested that Marandi's brother, Nunulal Marandi, the chief guest at the event, was the intended target but escaped unharmed. The tragedy remains a stark reminder of the security risks associated with political life in the state.
NEW VEHICLES, OLD QUESTIONS
Marandi pointed out that the Home Department purchased 17 bulletproof vehicles in December 2024, of which 12 were reportedly retained in the headquarters reserve after allocations to the Chief Minister and Raj Bhavan. He questioned why suitable replacements were not provided despite their availability. He also cited six representations reportedly submitted by former Chief Minister Arjun Munda's office between July 2024 and June 2026, and a November 6 accident involving Munda's convoy near Chowka.
Marandi has alleged that replacements were being held back under pressure from higher authorities. He has sought clarity on the decisions and accountability for the delays.
THE REAL TEST OF PUBLIC SECURITY
He has given the government seven days to review the security vehicles of all former Chief Ministers under uniform standards and provide a written account of action taken on his complaints. The government's response remains awaited.
Security cannot be determined by political position or administrative convenience. It must rest on assessed threat perception, roadworthiness, technical certification and consistent standards. The larger test of governance is whether the state treats the safety of those entrusted with public responsibility as an institutional obligation, rather than a privilege contingent on who occupies office.
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