'No special security for VIPs at Ujjain Kumbh': Shivraj Singh

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said the VIPs visiting the Simhastha Kumbh Mela won't be provided with additional security adding that.

"No one is a VIP in front of god, and that is why I have directed the administration to strictly follow this. Anyone who comes here would come as a common devotee, there won't be any red flashing beacon lights, nor the sirens," Shivraj told reporters after taking holy dip in River Shipra on the eve of Simhastha Kumbh Mela here.

"I am also not a VIP here, I have come as a common man, who is a devotee, not a Chief Minister," he added.

The Madhya Pradesh government has issued an advisory to Supreme court/high court registers, chief secretaries and police headquarters (PHQs) across the country citing that they would not be able to comply with security protocol or provide any additional cover to anyone else falling in the VIP and VVIP categories.

Over seven crore pilgrims are expected to visit Ujjain and other holy places during the month long fair, for which huge security and logistical arrangements have been made, including shifting of police forces from all 51 districts to Ujjain.