As a Punjabi, I would die for PM but he was safe: Charanjit Singh Channi

New Delhi : Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had to face flak after PM Narendra Modi was stuck on a flyover for about 20 minutes, and later had to return cancelling his scheduled program. Talking about the incident, CM Channi said that he can give his life for PM Modi, but he was in no danger.

The Centre has accused the Congress government of Punjab of ignoring the most basic security requirements for the PM, including the back-up needed when he travels by road. Union Minister Smriti Irani said: "The Congress' murder conspiracy failed"; Home Minister Amit Shah said the Congress is "on the path to insanity" and repeated the allegation of a deliberate plot to harm the PM, describing the security breach as a "Congress-made happening."

CM Charanjit Singh Channi expressed his regrets over the incident. "I would lay down my life to protect the PM," he said to reporters, "but he was in no danger."

Meanwhile, Congress has alleged a conspiracy and mentioned that the 70,000 chairs were arranged for PM Modi’s event, but only 700 people had reached. To save PM from embarrassment at the rally, the return was planned by the BJP.

"70,000 chairs were arranged but only 700 (persons) reached; what can I do?" Mr Channi asked.

Earlier, PM Modi had landed in Bhatinda. He was scheduled to go to the event site via a helicopter but amid poor weather condition, he decided to go by road.

Around 10 km from the rally site, the PM's convoy was blocked by farm protesters.

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