Mumbai: The Central government on Wednesday accorded the highest Z-Plus security cover to Nationalist Congress Party (SP) President Sharad Pawar, party officials said.

The Union Home Ministry has directed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to extend the highest level of VVIP armed security blanket to the veteran politician ahead of the Assembly elections in Maharashtra scheduled to be held later this year.

In view of certain recent developments, they recommended the topmost Z-Plus armed security cover for Pawar, a former Union Minister and four-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

The senior NCP leader said that he will be protected by a crack CRPF team of around 10 armed personnel, along with other security paraphernalia, ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Earlier in April 2022, Pawar and his family had been given a Z-Plus security ring after some persons attacked his home in South Mumbai during a political agitation.