PM Modi's rally was cancelled due to empty chairs, not security breach: Congress hits back at BJP

Congress on Wednesday hit back at the BJP for accusing it of playing "dirty tricks" and endangering Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life, claiming that around 10,000 security personnel were deployed for his rally and arrangements were made in tandem with Special Protection Group and other agencies.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also said the cancellation of the rally in Ferozepur was not because of any security breach but because of empty chairs at the venue, while emphasising that his party considers the security of the Prime Minister paramount.

Surjewala's comments came as BJP president J P Nadda accused the Congress-led Punjab government of playing "dirty tricks" fearing a "resounding defeat" in the upcoming state polls and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) holding the state government for the security breach that led to Modi being stuck at a fly-over for around 15-20 minutes due to a protest. Union Minister Smriti Irani also held a press conference to target Congress.

Read | Punjab CM expresses regret after PM Modi cuts short visit, denies security lapse

He said there would not be any let-up in the security arrangements for the Prime Minister in Congress-ruled states. “The security will not be like in Gujarat where Rahul Gandhi’s carcade came under stone pelting,” he told a press conference.

Surjewala said around 10,000 security personnel were deployed for the Ferozepur rally and all arrangements were made in tandem with SPG and other agencies.

“Routes were carved even for all buses of BJP workers from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The Prime Minister decided to take a road trip to Hussainiwala. It was not part of his original schedule to travel by road," he said.

He said the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) has been protesting against Modi's visit and Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat has held two rounds of discussions with them.

Also Read | 'Say thanks to Channi for I could return to Bhatinda airport alive': Modi to officials after security lapse in Punjab

He said the farmers blocked the road as part of their protest against the Prime Minister and he was stuck only for 15 minutes. “Was the police supposed to fire at them? Were they terrorists? The police were removing them and they took 15 minutes. There was no breach,” he said.

"Do you know why KMSC and Farmers are protesting against PM Modi? Their demands are: sack MOS Home Ajay Misra Teni, withdraw criminal cases against farmers in Haryana, Delhi and UP, compensation for the kin of 700 farmers who died and Committee on MSP and a quick decision," he said.

He also alleged that post farmer’s agitation, the Modi government chose to totally ignore these promises. "Finally, the reason for cancelling the rally is that there were no crowds to listen to Modi-ji. Stop blame game and introspect on BJP’s anti-farmer attitude. Hold rallies but listen to farmers first," he tweeted.

He said the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) has been protesting against Modi's visit and Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat has held two rounds of discussions with them.

"Do you (Nadda) know why KMSC and Farmers are protesting against PM Modi? Their demands are: Sack MOS Home Ajay Misra Teni. Withdraw criminal cases against farmers in Haryana, Delhi and UP. Compensation for kin of 700 farmers who died. Committee on MSP & a quick decision."

Surjewala also tweeted a video showing empty chairs at the rally venue in Ferozepur and said, "If you don't believe me, check it out. And yes, no nonsense rhetoric. Accept the truth of anti-farmer mentality and do self-churning. The people of Punjab have shown a mirror to the arrogant power by keeping distance from the rally."

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