Chennai: The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led Tamil Nadu government has scaled down the security detail of former Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin, removing his elite round-the-clock “Core Cell” protection.

Following recommendations from a routine bi-annual security assessment, the Core Cell Security Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police revised Stalin's security status from “Z+” to “Z” category.

The modification reduces his total security detail from 54 to 34 personnel, cutting back on static guards stationed at his Alwarpet residence on Cenotaph Road as well as dedicated round-the-clock commandos.

The decision was finalised during a periodic VVIP security review meeting attended by key officials, including Chief Secretary Sai Kumar, Home Secretary K Manivasan, Director General of Police Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, and Inspector General of Police Asra Garg.

Revised convoy protocol and political reaction

Under the updated Z-category cover, Stalin’s protection detail remains structured across front, core, and rear zones. His convoy will continue to feature pilot and escort vehicles, a main and backup vehicle, close-protection personnel, armed escorts, and a dedicated Personal Security Officer (PSO).

Although state officials emphasised that the revision stems from standard threat perception reassessments, the move has ignited political friction.

Opposition figures have labeled the decision by the Chief Minister Vijay-led administration as political vendetta. Conversely, government representatives maintain that high-level security allocations are determined strictly by objective threat evaluations rather than political standing.

ANI