Kejriwal turns down security cover

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, tipped to be the chief minister of Delhi, Monday turned down the security cover offered to him, a police officer said.

"We went to the Constitution Club where Arvind Kejriwal was attending a meeting with party MLAs (legislators) and offered him the security cover provided to a chief minister, but he refused it," said a police officer.

Kejriwal later left the venue in his private car. Special Commissioner of Police (Security) Taz Hassan told IANS: "We had sent a letter to Arvind Kejriwal to accept the proposal of security cover, but he in turn refused."

Kejriwal, in his reply to Delhi Police, thanked them for their offer but said he doesn't need any security or any escort or Personal Security Officer.

"Initially, he has some hesitation to accept the security and refused our proposal. Our officers are in constant touch with him to persuade him that he should get the security because he is now on a distinguished post of Delhi's chief minister," Hassan said.

Hassan also said that Kejriwal is "now more positive to our requests and we are hopeful he would accept our proposal".

The officer said the chief minister is given an official car and a pilot vehicle as per protocol.