Happenings in Punjab show 'utter carelessness' of administration: Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said it is the responsibility of a state government to ensure safe passage for the Prime Minister and the happenings in Punjab reflect "utter carelessness" of the administration.
Ms Sitharaman, in a series of tweets, said Wednesday's happenings in Punjab are a cause for concern.
"@PMOIndia was to pay respects to shaheed Bhagat Singh and other martyrs. Also he was to launch several developmental programmes. The utter carelessness shown by the administration led by CM @CHARANJITCHANNI and his explanations later do not add up," she tweeted.
Stating that it is the responsibility of a state's administration to ensure safe passage for the Prime Minister's movement, Sitharaman said, "@INCIndia has shown it not only shirks its duties towards the head of Indian government but also cares nothing for his safety." She said Punjab government claims 10,000 security personnel were deployed.
"How come they failed to ensure @PMOIndia's movement? Also CM @CHARANJITCHANNI claimed to isolate himself due to his close aide being COVID +ve,but addressed press in person without a mask? Disgraceful and petty," the minister added.
In a statement, the home ministry said after the "major lapse" in security in the Prime Minister's travel in Punjab, his convoy decided to return.
