Calling it the "single biggest lapse in the security of any Indian Prime Minister in recent years", the ruling BJP accused the Congress of trying to harm the PM. The Congress, however, questioned how the PM's security allowed the last-minute route change.

 

The Prime Minister landed in Bathinda earlier today for a visit to a National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala. He was to be flown by helicopter but due to rain and poor visibility, he waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear up. When it didn't, he decided to go by road to the spot two hours away.

 

"He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police," the Home Ministry said.

 

When the PM's convoy reached a flyover, the road was blocked by protestors.

 

Around 30 km from the memorial, when the PM's convoy reached a flyover, the road was blocked by protestors.

 

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president J P Nadda accused the Congress government in Punjab of using “all tricks to scuttle” PM Modi’s programmes, including the Ferozepur rally.

 

 

"The PM's schedule and travel plan were 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 was clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda airport," said the Home Ministry.

 

The home ministry has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government, which, on the other hand, says the Prime Minister returned for a different reason