Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned today without addressing a rally in Punjab after his convoy got stuck in a road blockade near Hussainiwala. The security lapse occurred when the Prime Minister was travelling by road from Bathinda to National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala.
The PM's convoy was stuck for 15-20 minutes on the flyover due to a road blockade by some protestors. The home ministry described the incident as a "major lapse" in his security.
After the serious lapse in security, his convoy decided to return without attending an event at a martyrs' memorial.
The Centre has asked the Punjab government to fix responsibility for the lapse and take strict action.
It's a conspiracy (security breach during PM's visit to Punjab). It must be made sure that strong action will be taken against responsible persons. Attempt to suspend some junior officials will not solve the matter: Union Minister & Punjab BJP in-charge Gajendra Singh Shekhawat pic.twitter.com/QMiMIhJ7Kl
- ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was stuck on a flyover in Punjab for around 20 minutes today as protesting farmers blocked a road. Visuals showed his convoy stranded. The security lapse set off a huge political clash between the BJP and the Congress.
Never before in the history of our country, a state govt knowingly constructed a scenario where the PM will be brought to harm. We know Congress hates Modi, but today they tried to harm the PM of India: Union Minister & BJP leader Smriti Irani pic.twitter.com/QUEyUOOIX0
- ANI (@ANI) January 5, 2022
Hours after a security lapse during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala today slammed BJP President Jagat Prakash Nadda and asked him to introspect on the BJP's anti-farmer attitude, reported news agency PTI.
No crowd to listen to PM Modi was the reason why the rally was canceled, Congress alleged.
"Dear Naddaji, Stop losing cool and all sense of propriety. Please remember--1. 10,000 security personnel were deployed for PM's Rally. 2. All arrangements were made in tandem with SPG and other agencies. 3. Route was carved even for all buses of BJP workers from Haryana/Rajasthan. 4. PM decided to take a road journey to Hussainiwala. It was not part of his original schedule to travel by road. 5. Kisan mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) has been protesting against PM's visit and Union Minister, Gajendra Shekhawat has held two rounds of negotiation with them," Mr Surjewala tweeted.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi today described the "security lapse" in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's travel that led to him remaining stuck on a flyover in Punjab as a "conspiracy hatched by the Congress", reported news agency PTI.
PM Modi was stuck on a flyover for 20 minutes due to a blockade by protesters, prompting the Union Home Ministry to seek an immediate report from the state government and strict action against those responsible.
Prahlad Joshi alleged that it appears to have been part of a pact between Congress and Pakistan to detain the Prime Minister for so long near the Pakistan border.
"It is not an ordinary incident. You all know about the proximity of Punjab Congress leaders, especially Navjot Singh Sidhu, with Pakistani leaders. He embraces them," he said.
"Based on the news and video clippings I saw on TV, I can say it was a conspiracy hatched by the Congress in full knowledge of the state government," Mr Joshi, who is also the BJP's election in-charge, said.
It is sad that the PM's visit to launch development projects worth thousands of crores for Punjab was disrupted. But we will not let such cheap mentality hinder progress of Punjab and will continue the effort for the development of Punjab.
- Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) January 5, 2022
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remained stuck on a flyover for almost 20 minutes on his way to attend a rally in Punjab's Ferozepur after protesters blocked his way.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his events in Punjab today after a massive security breach left him stranded on a flyover for 20 minutes because of protesting farmers.
BJP chief JP Nadda hit out at Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi in a series of tweets and accused him of refusing to take phone calls.
"It is sad that PM's visit to launch development projects worth thousands of crores for Punjab was disrupted... State Police was instructed to prevent people from attending the rally...CM Channi refused to get on phone to either address the matter or solve it," Mr Nadda tweeted.