Punjab CM Channi says 'PM security lapse' claim is gimmick, cheap theatrics

Under fire from the BJP over the alleged "security lapse" during the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Punjab visit, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday said that PM's "gimmick" of "threat to his life" was aimed at "toppling a democratically elected government" in the state.

Channi further said the prime minister is a respected leader of the nation but it does not behove a leader of his stature to indulge in "such cheap theatrics".

He was addressing a gathering here after laying a foundation stone for development works worth Rs 18 crore at the New Grain Market, an official statement said.

Channi also alleged that the "failure" of BJP's rally on Wednesday was a reflection of the fact that wise Punjabis have outrightly rejected the "divisive" agenda of the party.

Also watch: No security lapse, will give my life to protect PM: Punjab CM Channi

The combative CM claimed there was no threat to Modi's life but he cancelled his programme because of less number of people at the BJP's rally at Ferozepur.

He said because of the empty chairs at the rally venue, the prime minister went back to the national capital citing the "frivolous reason of security threat".

Channi alleged that the "false pretext" under which the PM cancelled his visit was part of a "larger conspiracy to defame Punjab and murder democracy in the state on lines of what was done earlier in Jammu and Kashmir".