Security warning irks Antony

Like P Chidambaram,Defence Minister A K Antony is among the few politicians who abhors personal security. So,when he received Chidambaram’s letter last week urging him — and about 40 other top politicians — to adhere strictly to the prescribed security drill ahead of the elections,Antony’s initial reaction was that of irritation. He summoned a couple of senior MHA officials to know whether their minister was serious. When told that he was, Antony demanded to know what exactly was the intelligence input that prompted the advice. He was given a detailed briefing. Antony is said to have wondered why the security measures should not apply to the Home Minister too. As Home Minister,Chidambaram is entitled to Z-plus security,but has refused to take it. Having made his point,Antony is said to have agreed to follow the security drill.