The City Headlines
The officials at the Bathinda Airport reportedly told ANI that PM Modi told them, “Apne CM ko thanks kehna, ki mai Bhatinda airport tak zinda laut paya.” (Thank your Chief Minister that I reached Bathinda Airport alive.)
Earlier, it was said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to miss the rally because of bad weather conditions. However, after that, a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs was issued in which it was said that because of the security lapses, PM Narendra Modi had to return.
The Bhartiya Janta Party has alleged Congress of a conspiracy. BJP National President JP Nadda said, “The protesters were allowed to go in the way of the Prime Minister and their security was compromised while the Chief Secretary and DGP of Punjab had assured the SPG that the path was completely clear.”
MHA’s statement:
“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, which would take more than 2 hours. He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police.
Around 30 kilometres 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 protestors.
The PM was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of PM.
The PM’s schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to Punjab Government. As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready. Also in view of the contingency plan Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed.
After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda airport.
The Ministry of Home Affairs taking cognisance of this serious security lapse has sought a detailed report from the state government. State Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.”
