India, Aug. 22 -- The Uttar Pradesh government has provided bullet-proof jackets to over 50 leaders, including 11 cabinet ministers, ahead of the Assembly elections, in what sources describe as the first such exercise in the state to provide ballistic protection to politicians across security categories ranging from Y to Z+.

The move covers leaders belonging to different political parties, including the BJP and its allies, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party, and was undertaken following advice from the Union ministry of home affairs, according to sources familiar with the matter.

DG, security, Amrendra Sengar confirmed it but declined to disclose the number or the names of beneficiaries. "A directive in this regard was issued aroun...