President Ram Nath Kovind expressed serious concern over the breach in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security during his Punjab visit on Wednesday and got a first-hand account of the incident from Mr. Modi, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said on Thursday.
Also read: SC may hear on Jan. 7 plea alleging Punjab police ‘connivance’ in PM’s security lapse
“President Ram Nath Kovind met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today and received from him a first-hand account of the security breach in his convoy in Punjab yesterday. The President expressed his concerns about the serious lapse,” tweeted the official handle of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Mr. Modi tweeted, “Called on Rashtrapati Ji. Thankful to him for his concern. Grateful for his good wishes, which are always a source of strength@rashtrapatibhvn”.
The Prime Minister's motorcade was stuck for 15-20 minutes on a flyover after a group of farmers blocked the highway while Mr. Modi was on his way to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala.
Channi’s denial
Mr. Modi returned from poll-bound Punjab without attending any event, including a public rally at Ferozepur.
Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has denied any security lapse or political motive behind it and said his government was ready for an inquiry. On Thursday, his government constituted a two-member high-level committee to conduct a “thorough probe” into lapses during Mr Modi’s visit.
The incident triggered a political war of words, with the BJP accusing the Congress government of “trying to bring physical harm to the Prime Minister” and the Congress hitting back by alleging that the BJP resorted to “unprecedented political drama” as it couldn’t gather crowd at the rally that was meant to be addressed by Mr. Modi.
Amid the political slugfest, the Congress fielded Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge to address the media in their respective States.
