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Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday, 5 January, expressed regret over the fact that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to return home during his visit to Punjab's Ferozepur district amid a security lapse. According to ANI, he said:
"I express regret that Prime Minister Modi had to return during his visit to Ferozepur district today. We respect our PM."
Also stating that he can "lay down his life" to protect the PM, Channi said:
"If PM has said something out of anger or due to politics, I won't comment on it. But I will say one thing, you're our PM. As a Punjabi I would lay down my life to protect you. But there was no danger to his life"
After a sparse crowd gathered for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Ferozepur amid bad weather on Wednesday, 5 December, the event was cancelled after many speakers had reached the venue.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the postponement of the programme from the stage of the rally, but did not cite any reasons for the same.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, however, has indicated that a security lapse had hampered PM Modi's plans.
Meanwhile, media reports have said Ferozepur SSP Harman has been placed under suspension for security breach on the route of PM Modi's cavalcade.
What Did the MHA Say?
"Around 30 kms away from National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the PM’s convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protesters. The PM was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of PM."Ministry of Home Affairs
"Today morning PM landed at Bathinda from where he was to go to National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, PM waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out... When the weather didn’t improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Marytrs Memorial via road. He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police," the MHA said.
Three approach roads leading to the rally venue in Ferozepur were blocked for more than 12 hours by members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangrash Committee (KMSC), The Indian Express reported. The farmers were protesting against PM Modi's visit to Punjab.
After his journey was hindered, the prime minister returned to Bathinda Airport and reportedly expressed displeasure at the supposed security breach.
"The MHA has taken cognisance of this serious security lapse has sought a detailed report from the state government. The state government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action," a press release said.
'Punjab Police Stopped People From Attending Rally, CM Channi Refused to Resolve Matter': JP Nadda
Condemning the alleged obstruction of PM Modi's route in Punjab, BJP President JP Nadda tweeted, "The state police was instructed to prevent people from attending the rally. Large number of buses were stranded because of the high-handedness of the police & connivance with protestors."
"To make matters worse, CM Channi refused to get on the phone to either address the matter or solve it. The tactics used by the Congress government in Punjab would pain any one who believes in democratic principles."JP Nadda
"What is extremely worrisome is that this incident was also a big security lapse as far as the PM is concerned. Protestors were given access to the Prime Minister’s route while the Punjab CS and DGP gave assurances to SPG that the route is clear," Nadda stated.
'Serious Security Lapse': Assam CM Calls for Enquiry
Echoing these sentiments, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the alleged obstruction in Punjab was a 'matter of shame'.
"It's a matter of shame that PM Modi's cavalcade was stopped by protesters on his way to launch development schemes for welfare of Punjab. This is a serious security lapse and the fact that the Punjab CM didn't address the issue makes matters even worse," ANI quoted Sarma as saying.
He added that the security breach in a crucial border state "must be enquired at the highest levels".
While PM is going all out to ensure holistic development of Punjab, today's incident shows how Congress is least interested in development and only wants to play politics. Such a security breach in the crucial border state must be enquired at the highest levels.Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, as per ANI
PM Modi Had Been Scheduled to Launch Projects, Address Rally
PM Modi had reached Punjab earlier on Wednesday, where he was expected to lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 42,750 crore, and address a rally in Ferozepur.
The prime minister was slated to lay the foundation stone for the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, the four laning of Amritsar-Una section, Mukerian-Talwara New Broad Gauge railway line, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Satellite Centre at Ferozepur, and two medical colleges in Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur.
"I look forward to being among my sisters and brothers of Punjab today. At a programme in Ferozepur, the foundation stone of development works worth Rs 42,750 crore would be laid, which will improve the quality of life for the people," the prime minister tweeted on Wednesday, ahead of his visit.
'#GoBackModi' Trends on Twitter Ahead of PM's Visit to Punjab
Ahead of PM Modi's first visit to Punjab since he announced the scrapping of the contentious farm laws, #GoBackModi is trending on Twitter.
Ahead of Modi's visit, farmers and others are protesting against the government's response towards farmers. Sanyukt Kisan Morcha that spearheaded the year-long farmers' agitation in Delhi has also announced that it will protest against the prime minister during his Punjab visit.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt) president Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa tested positive for COVID-19, while he was on his way to PM Modi's rally in Ferozepur, news agency ANI reported. He subsequently returned home.
As the political gatherings in the poll-bound state raise concerns, Health Minister OP Soni on Tuesday said, “We are following the central government’s guidelines. Since they haven’t imposed any restriction on big rallies as of now, they will continue. However, I personally feel that if we can close schools and colleges, big rallies should not be organised either.”
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