Apne CM Ko Thanks Kehna Ki Zinda Laut Paya: PM Modi Tells Officials At Bhatinda Airport

After returning to Bathinda airport, sources said PM Modi, in a sarcastic remark, told the officials to say thanks to the Punjab Chief Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Punjab's Ferozepur, which was supposed to be held on Wednesday, has been postponed (PTI file)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to head back to Bathinda airport after his rally in Punjab's Ferozepur had to be cancelled in what the Home Ministry called a "major lapse" in his security.

After returning to Bathinda airport, sources said PM Modi, in a sarcastic remark, told the officials to say thanks to the Punjab Chief Minister.

"Apne CM ko thanks kehna, ki mein Bhatinda airport tak zinda laut paaya (Say thanks to your CM that I was able to return to Bhatinda airport alive)," PM Modi allegedly said.

READ | PM Modi Stuck On Flyover For 15-20 Mins, MHA Seeks Report From Punjab Govt

PM Modi, who was travelling by road in Punjab, was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to blockade by some protesters.

In a statement, the Home Ministry said that the Prime Minister's schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab government.

"Today morning Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed at Bathinda from where he was to go to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, the Prime Minister waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out. When the weather did not improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Marytrs Memorial via road, which would take more than two hours. He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police," the MHA said.

"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 the Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport," the statement further said.

The Home Ministry said after the "major security lapse", PM Modi's convoy decided to return. The ministry also asked the Punjab government to fix responsibility for the lapse and take strict action, the statement said.

PM Modi was scheduled to lay the foundation stones of development projects worth over Rs 42,750 crore, including the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway and a PGIMER satellite centre.