Prime Minister Narendra Modi was stuck on a flyover for over 20 minutes in Ferozepur in Punjab on January 5.
In a sensational revelation on Saturday (January 8), Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi said he had a conversation with Congress leader Priyanka Vadra and briefed her about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security lapse issue. He did not explain in what capacity was Priyanka Vadra briefed about a life-threatening lapse in the security of the Prime Minister when he was visiting the state on January 5.
While talking to reporters on Saturday (January 8), CM Channi said, "There was no security lapse… I had a conversation with Priyanka Vadra and had briefed her about what happened on January 5." It remains unclear why a state's chief minister should brief Priyanka Vadra about a life-threatening lapse in the Prime Minister's security.
After PM Modi was stuck on a flyover for over 20 minutes in Ferozepur as some 'protestors' blocked the road, he was safely rescued to Bathinda Airport from where he flew back to Delhi. Many lapses were found in the security of the Prime Minister.
Taking cognisance of the security lapse, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a press statement. It said, "The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) taking cognisance of this serious security lapse has sought a detailed report from the state government. The State Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action."
It added, "The Prime Minister's schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab Government. As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security, and keep a contingency plan ready. Also, in view of the contingency plan the Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed."
When the prime minister visits any state, the chief minister, state DGP and chief secretary receive the prime minister and accompany him. But, in Punjab's case, all there were absent from the Prime Minister's convoy. The state's home minister, home secretary, and Ferozepur district collector were also missing from the MP's convoy.
It was revealed on Thursday (January 6) that Punjab Police itself had written at least three internal memos regarding dangers to the prime minister and security arrangements. One memo had exclusively asked for making alternate arrangements for traffic diversion. These memos were shared with 11 ADGP rank officers, including liaisons for the Prime Minister's security. The MHA constituted a three-member committee on Thursday (January 6) to investigate the lapses.
When Congress-led UPA had come to power at the centre in 2004, Congress President Sonia Gandhi 'refused' the Prime Ministership and Pliant Manmohan Singh was appointed the Prime Minister. An extra-constitutional body, National Advisory Council (NAC), was created with Sonia Gandhi as its chairperson to 'supervise' the PMO.
Political commentator and columnist Abhijit Majumder said, "PM Manmohan Singh had to brief his extra-constitutional boss Sonia Gandhi. Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi has to brief Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has never fought an election. Both made subservient to a family whose hands have the blood of thousands of Sikhs. The tradition continues."
