Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security lapse in Punjab has caused a stir, as he had to cancel addressing a rally in the Ferozepur district after being stuck 30 km away from the destination on a flyover, due to protests blocking his path. 

The Home Ministry took up the issue, asking the Congress government in Punjab to provide an explanation. President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), JP Nadda, also pointed fingers at Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, saying that he “refused to get on the phone to either address the matter or solve it.” 

Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Assam Chief Minister, joined in, saying, “While Adarniya PM is going all out to ensure holistic development of Punjab, today’s incident shows how Cong is least interested in development & only wants to play politics. The fact that Punjab CM didn’t address the issue makes matters even worse in the crucial border state.” 

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Now, CM Channi has addressed the issue completely, saying that the Prime Minister had been informed of poor weather conditions as well as the protests, and asked not to continue with the visit. Not only was this disregarded, but the Punjab government was not informed of the PM’s route change either, according to Channi. He summed up, saying there was no security lapse during Modi’s visit. 

He also explained his absence at Bhatinda, clarifying that “those who had to accompany me tested COVID positive. Hence, I did not go to receive the PM today as I was in close contact with some who tested positive”.

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Moreover, he expressed regret that the Prime Minister had to return during his visit to Ferozepur. Channi concluded, saying that Prime Minister Modi was deeply respected. 

However, Punjab’s Chief Minister had earlier seemed to discredit the Centre’s reason for cancelling the rally, saying “They had put 70,000 chairs but only 700 people came. So they made the excuse of rain and the other excuse, and the rally got cancelled.”