Chandigarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his scheduled rally at Punjab’s Ferozepur after his convoy got stuck in a flyover for 15-20 minutes while on his way to National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, in what is being seen as a major security lapse.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), PM Modi was scheduled to take a chopper to National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala after landing at Bathinda this morning. But bad weather forced him to undertake the two-hour journey by road.
“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,” the MHA stated.
Despite confirmation of necessary security arrangements by Punjab Police DGP Siddharth Chattopadhyaya, a flyover, which is around 30 km away from the memorial, 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,” it said.
The MHA claimed that the Punjab government had faltered in providing security to secure any road movement.
Following this security lapse, a decision was taken to re-route the convoy back to Bathinda airport, the MHA said, adding that a detailed report has been sought from the state government.
Punjab Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.
