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Take it up with CM Pinarayi: BJP's Kummanam on 'security breach' allegations

  • BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan has said he travelled with the PM in the Kochi Metro after getting permission from the SPG and the state police
  • Kummanam also said he had not requested anyone to include his name on the list of dignitaries
  • CPM leader and tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran had said the "security lapses" which occurred in the PM's official programme should be investigated
kochi metro pm modi ride Kummanam security breach Kadakampally

BJP state president Kummanam Rajasekharan's ride with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the launch of the Kochi Metro on Saturday had triggered a controversy, with tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran alleging it was a "security breach". 

In a Facebook post, Kadakampally said the "security lapses" which occurred in the Prime Minister's official programme should be investigated. He questioned the logic behind allowing Kummanam, who is not even a panchayat ward member, to travel with Modi and other dignitaries.

Kummanam was seen seated next to Governor P Sathasivam with PM Modi, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu in their maiden ride on Kochi Metro. Surendran said this happened when even local MLA P T Thomas was not allowed to share stage with the Prime Minister for the inaugural function.

Also read: PM Modi inaugurates Kochi Metro, takes first ride [Video]

Hitting back at Kadakampally, Kummanam said he travelled with the Prime Minister after getting permission from the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the state police. The BJP chief also said he had not requested anyone to include his name on the list of dignitaries.

"The Kerala police and the Prime Minister's SPG had informed me that my name was on the list of invitees. It was the Kerala government that provided me the vehicle to travel along with the Prime Minister's convoy. If Kadakampally had any objections, he should have taken up the matter with the Chief Minister as he was witness to everything," PTI quoted Kummanam as saying.

“If anyone is able to gatecrash a function attended by the PM and CM, then it points to lapses in security system. If so, the responsibility rests on the Chief Minister and state government,” Kummanam added.

Also read: Kerala's dream project takes flight as PM Modi dedicates Kochi Metro to nation [Video]

Reacting to the issue, BJP state general secretary K Surendran said it was the Prime Minister's Office which included Kummanam in the journey.

"The PMO takes decision on matters like who will attend the Prime Minister's function and the state minister need not worry about his protection," Surendran said. In a Facebook post, the BJP leader that the SPG is there to provide security for the Prime Minister and Kadakampally's intervention is not required.

 

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