PM Modi’s Punjab rally cancelled as farmers block flyover, says Home Ministry

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has skipped the rally in Punjab’s Ferozepur, as “road was blocked by some protestors,” a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs said.

“Around 30-kms 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. The PM was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of PM,” the statement read.

Hours before Modi’s rally was scheduled, three approach roads leading to the venue in Ferozepur were blocked by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangrash Committee (KMSC) members. However, the protest ended after farmers were assured of a discussion with the Prime Minister on January 15 about their demands.

Narendra Modii was scheduled to address a rally in Punjab for the first time since the repeal of farm laws and after a gap of two years.

“The PM’s schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to Punjab Government. 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,” the MHA said in a statement.

Meanwhile, reacting to the latest development in a TV interview on a Punjabi channel, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi says, “No security lapse. PM’s road plans were made at the last minute. He was supposed to go by helicopter. I was up late at night overseeing security arrangements for his rally. 70,000 chairs were put up for rally but only 700 people turned up.”