Modi given more NSG commandos; no SPG cover: Shinde

BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi has been provided with an additional strength of NSG commandos in view of threats to him but SPG security cannot be extended to him, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde today said.

In view of the evolving security requirements for the Gujarat Chief Minister, a special team for Advance Security Liason (ASL) and an additional police component of Gujarat police are also keeping a vigil on Modi's movements across the country.

"We cannot give him SPG cover protection as there is a law for it (for being a SPG protectee). We have, however, given additional NSG personnel to him," Shinde said while interacting with journalists during his monthly press conference here.

Modi is a 'Z+' category protectee of the elite 'black cat' commandos of the National Security Guard and a first-ring of twelve commandos give him proximate security every time he moves.

The BJP has been demanding a high-level security for Modi including bringing him under the Special Protection Group (SPG) cover after a string of explosions rocked Modi's rally venue in Patna on October 27.

The SPG protects the Prime Minister and his immediate family members.