Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Punjab's Ferozepur was cancelled due to major security lapse” on Wednesday. BJP leaders further accused the Congress-led Punjab
government of trying all tricks to disrupt PM Modi's programmes in the state as it fears defeat in upcoming elections. However, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has refuted all the allegations and blamed it
all on the “change of plans.”
Responding to the serious allegations by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and senior BJP leaders, CM Channi said, “There was no security lapse. The road plans for the Prime Minister
were made at the last minute. He was scheduled to fly out in a helicopter. I stayed up late last night arranging security for his rally. The rally had 70,000 chairs set up, but barely 700 people showed up."
On Wednesday, PM landed in Bathinda this morning for a helicopter ride to the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala. PM waited around 20 minutes for the weather to clear out due
to rain and poor visibility.
When the weather didn't improve, he decided to drive to the National Martyrs Memorial. MHA said in a statement that he proceeded to travel by road after receiving confirmation from
the DGP Punjab Police of the requisite security arrangements.
"The Punjab Government was informed well in advance of the PM's schedule and travel plans. 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," said MHA.
As per MHA, 'around 30 km 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.
Prime minister was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes.'
MHA went on to say, "This was a major lapse in PM's security” and the decision was made to return to Bathinda airport after this.
Meanwhile, BJP national president J.P. Nadda claimed that Punjab CM Charanjit Channi refused to get on the phone to address the matter and alleged that state police were instructed to
prevent people from attending PM's rally.