The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Vijay, is currently under the nation's highest 'Z+' security cover, involving a substantial contingent of 55 central security personnel. This enhanced protection, enacted recently, includes National Security Guard (NSG) commandos, a bulletproof vehicle, and a pilot car. This represents a significant upgrade from his previous 'Y' category security.
This move comes amid a flurry of security adjustments for various political figures. Notably, ex-Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha's security cover has been reduced, while Nitish Kumar's son has been granted 'Z' category security. The state's security apparatus for VIPs has seen a broad reorganisation.
Layers of Protection: Decoding India's Security Scales
The categorization of security cover in India is based on perceived threat levels.
'X' Category: The most basic, comprising two armed police officers and one personal security officer (PSO).
'Y' Category: Typically involves an 8-person entourage, including 1-2 commandos and police personnel. This cover is usually provided in the state where the individual resides or is active.
'Z' Category: A more comprehensive detail of 22 personnel, including 4-6 Central Armed Police Forces commandos and police officers, often with an escort vehicle.
'Z+' Category: The highest civilian tier, consisting of 36 personnel, with 10+ Central Reserve Police Force commandos and police officers. It can also include an Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) component.
Recent Security Shifts and Political Undercurrents
The recent elevation of Vijay's security to 'Z+' is juxtaposed with a withdrawal of what was described as "Z-Plus scale" security previously afforded to him after election results. This earlier heightened security, reportedly to manage large gatherings of party workers and fans, had involved a Deputy Inspector-General of Police supervising his protection, along with numerous armed commandos from the State police's Security Branch CID.
Read More: Kerala Govt Delay: BJP MLA Fears Governance Gap
Actor-politician Vijay, also the president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, had previously been granted 'Y' category security by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This decision, made around February 14, 2025, was reportedly in response to flagged threats to his life ahead of his political entry. At that time, this cover involved personal security officers (PSOs) and an armed guard for his residence, exclusively within Tamil Nadu.
The rationale behind the initial grant of 'Y' category security has drawn scrutiny, with political figures questioning why the state government had not proactively provided similar protection. The central government's intervention, providing 'Y' security, occurred after several agencies reportedly flagged a potential threat to Vijay.
Vijay's political ambitions are intertwined with his acting career, with his 69th film, "Jana Nayagan," rumoured to be his last. His recent large gatherings of party cadres at his residence and office following election results necessitated enhanced security measures, according to police sources. The exact nature and scale of the security provided immediately after the election results, described as "on par with the Z-Plus scale given to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister," and its subsequent "reduction to bare minimum" suggest a fluid and politically charged environment influencing security decisions.
Read More: Tamil Nadu Governor Delays Vijay Govt Invite: Constitutional Row Erupts
