NEW DELHI: Fifty-two leaders in Uttar Pradesh, including chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and BSP chief Mayawati, have been provided bulletproof jackets as part of security arrangements ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, news agency ANI reported quoting sources on Saturday.Eleven state government ministers are also among those provided the jackets, including Sanjay Nishad, Nand Gopal Gupta "Nandi" and Om Prakash Rajbhar. BJP leader Aparna Yadav is also on the list, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.Sources said the bulletproof jackets cost around Rs 10 lakh each. Eight leaders received the jackets in the first phase, while 44 were provided them in the second phase.Security arrangements have also been extended to several other BJP leaders, including Swatantra Dev Singh, Jaiveer Singh and Mahendra Singh, news agency ANI reported quoting sources.In addition, 98 leaders and prominent individuals in Uttar Pradesh will be provided different categories of security, sources told ANI.The move comes ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections scheduled for 2027, with political parties stepping up preparations in the state.

The BJP has appointed general secretary Vinod Tawde as its Uttar Pradesh election in-charge, bringing an experienced organisational leader into the party's preparations for the crucial state polls.

Jagdish Ishwarbhai Patel has been appointed as the co-in-charge of Uttar Pradesh.Sources said the BJP is focusing on strengthening its social and caste equations in Uttar Pradesh, with leaders from Other Backward Classes and minority communities being given greater representation in organisational appointments.The party has also begun conducting surveys across Assembly constituencies to assess its organisational strength, potential candidates and local issues that could influence the 2027 election.