Punjab deliberately created scenario to harm PM Modi: Smriti Irani

New Delhi: Following alleged "security breach" in Punjab involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's convoy on Wednesday, Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani on Wednesday said the Punjab Government deliberately created a scenario to cause harm to the Prime Minister during his visit.

"Never before in the history of our country has a state government knowingly constructed a scenario where the Prime Minister will be brought to harm. It is a security breach. We know the Congress hates Narendra Modi, but today they tried to harm the Prime Minister of India," Smriti Irani said during a press conference on Wednesday. Also read | 'Apne CM ko thanks kehna, ki mein Bhatinda airport tak zinda laut paaya': PM Modi's message to Punjab CM She termed it as a breakdown of the law and order situation in Punjab. The Union Minister said, "The questions we as BJP workers and nation needs to ask the Congress government in Punjab that why did the DGP give an all-clear to the PM security detail or the route that the PM was to undertake? Who in the Punjab Government gave information about the PM's route to individuals who planted themselves atop the flyover?" She said video evidence, which was now publicly available, brought such questions to the fore. PM Modi was atop the flyover for 20 minutes, she said, questioning, "Why did those who lead the security arrangements on behalf of the state government not respond to any calls or efforts to communicate to secure the PM?" Slamming the Congress-led Punjab government, Smriti Irani said, "These are not mere charges. This is the reality of Punjab under the Congress government." Also read | Modi's Punjab visit: Regret PM had to return, but there was no security lapse: CM Channi She further alleged that Congress leader erupted with joy after the incident asking the PM, "Who his josh (enthusiasm) was?" "My hope is that those who tried to bring the PM physical harm are met with justice," she said. PM Modi was scheduled to visit Ferozepur on Wednesday to lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 42,750 crore. However, the Prime Minister remained stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. -PTC News