HBS Security Lapses – Coincidence or Calculated?

1. Is it really a lapse?

Himanta Biswa Sarma (HBS), despite being one of the most influential and controversial leaders in the Northeast, chooses to move without visible high-security layers like Z+ cover (Black Cat NSG commandos). This seems intentional rather than a failure of the system.

2. Political Messaging?

By staying physically accessible, HBS crafts a mass-leader image:

"I’m one of you."

"I don't need protection from my people."

"Look, I’m fearless, unlike others hiding behind Z+ rings."

This is classic populist branding—blending charisma with accessibility to cultivate a larger-than-life, invincible aura.

3. Contrast with AASU-origin Politicians:

Both Sarbananda Sonowal and another AASU-origin leader (possibly Prafulla Mahanta earlier) have been under Z+ security.

Sonowal, known for a clean and soft image, is more traditional and low-risk in behavior but is still under strict security.

HBS, however, thrives on calculated chaos—media punches, crowd interactions, dramatic visits to sensitive zones like Hasilabheel (post-eviction scene)—but without visible protection.

4. Gameplan to Stay in Spotlight?

Yes—HBS’s lack of Z+ cover could be part of a deliberate strategy to:

Signal strength and confidence.

Keep media and political narrative spinning around his boldness.

Show a contrast to Delhi-based leadership which often operates behind layers of protocol and protection.

🧠 Political Psychology Behind the Strategy:

Vulnerability makes headlines.

When a high-profile leader appears exposed or walks into volatile zones, it fuels news cycles, adding to their "risk-taker for the people" image.

Calculated Risk

He is not naive. His team likely maintains tight unmarked security, plainclothes surveillance, and local intelligence coordination. But he avoids the optics of being overprotected