Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Wednesday expressed regret over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security lapse. He said "I regret that PM Modi had to return during his visit to Ferozepur district today."
CM Channi denied that there was a breach in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security in Punjab. He also refuted claims that there was any threat to PM Modi's life. "The farmers have been agitating peacefully for the last one year. I'm not going to lathi-charge at farmers. We spoke to farmers the whole last night after which they ended their agitation. Today, suddenly some agitators gathered in Ferozepur dist," he added.
Channi said that the state government had asked the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to discontinue the visit due to bad weather conditions & protests. "We had no information of PM's sudden route change and there was no security lapse during the PM visit, he said on allegations of 'serious security lapse.'
On questions about his absence while receiving the Prime Minister at Bathinda he said, "I had to receive the PM today but 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."
The Ministry of Home Affairs has sought a detailed report on PM's security breach in Punjab. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said "such dereliction of security procedure in the Prime Minister’s visit is totally unacceptable and accountability will be fixed."
Prime Minister Modi was stuck on a flyover in Punjab for 15-20 minutes on Wednesday due to a blockade by some protesters and returned without attending an event at a martyrs' memorial.
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