PM Modi’s Ferozepur rally cancelled, home ministry blames ‘major lapse in security’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first rally in poll-bound Punjab, scheduled to take place in Ferozepur on Wednesday, has been cancelled due to what the Union home ministry has described as a ‘major lapse in the PM’s security.’

“Today morning, the PM landed at Bhatinda, from where he was to go to the National Marytrs’ Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, he waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out,” the Ministry of home affairs said, according to news agency ANI.

When the weather didn’t improve, the ministry said, a decision was taken that the Prime Minister will visit the memorial via road, adding that this journey would have taken more than two hours. “He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation on security arrangements by the DGP, Punjab Police,” it further said.

“However, around 30kms away from the National Martyrs’ Memorial, when the convoy reached 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 MHA detailed.

The statement, however, did not specify who the agitators were. However, in the run-up to the Prime Minister’s visit, videos emerged on social media of people, said to be farmers protesting against the now-repealed central agricultural laws, allegedly blocking roads leading to Ferozepur.