BHOPAL: In the wake of the attack on CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s bus in Sidhi, his security detail has decided that he will cover most of the his Jan Ashirwad Yatra in a helicopter or bulletproof car The decision was taken after a review of the CM's security by the top brass, say sources. BJP leaders accompanying Chouhan, however, said he would continue to meet the public in the “same old style”.Chouhan, the only Z-plus protectee in the state, was attacked during his yatra in Sidhi on September2. An investigation found that it was “preplanned and motivated”, said sources.“There was a review and it was advised that CM should cover long distances by helicopter or a well-guarded cavalcade. His security has been strengthened and police will search vehicles during his road shows,” said a senior official in the secretariat.A glimpse of the new security arrangements was seen during Chouhan’s Burhanpur and Khandwa tours on Thursday when police launched massive search operations at the venues and his road route.“On Thursday, the CM flew by chopper to three assembly regions of Khandwa and Harda districts. He took off from Khandwa and flew to Jawar and Narmada Nagar where he laid the foundation of Jawar micro-irrigation project, before heading off to Sirali and Khirkiya,” said a source.However, CM’s yatra convener and senior BJP leader Prabhat Jha said there is no major change in Chouhan’s tour plan. The CM generally uses the chopper to cover long distances to save time, he said. “There is no major change in the security of the CM as he believes only in oneon-one connect with people. He is meeting people in the same manner and addressing rallies without any fear. This is all a political gimmick floated by rivals,” said Jha.Sources in BJP said there was another reason behind the CM’s aerial tours. “Heavy rain in Vindhya, and parts of Malwa and Nimar has deteriorated road conditions. In some areas, potholes and pitted roads are a real challenge, so the chief minister was advised to use a chopper,” said a leader. But BJP leaders are unwilling to discuss roads in MP. “Congress is already in attack mode after the debate on roads,” explained a senior BJP state functionary.

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