'I Won't Deliver Speech': Ex-Officer Recalls How PM Modi Had Bulletproof Glass Removed Ahead Of 2014 Independence Day

New Delhi: Former Defence Secretary RK Mathur recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked for the bulletproof glass barrier placed at Red Fort to be removed just before he delivered his first Independence Day speech in 2014 as Prime Minister.

What did RK Mathur say?

When Mathur was talking about the removing of bulletproof glass, he mentioned that he along with the then Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) met PM Narendra Modi just before August 15, and informed him about the security arrangements to be done. Bulletproof glass barrier which was placed in front of PM was also discussed.

"Me and the Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), went to PM Modi for a briefing before August 15 because it was his first Independence Day where he would address the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort (as the Prime Minister)."

"During that conversation we explained him (PM Modi) that there is a barrier in front of him which is the bulletproof glass. PM Modi said, 'if this stays in front of me, I would not be able to address the citizens'," he told the news agency.

Did the authorities object?

The security officials objected to the removal of shield as per Mathur as there was a danger from the surrounding area including buildings of Chandni Chowk which is visible from Red Fort area.

"From our side, this was naturally a security issue. As people know, the entire Chandni Chowk area is visible from there (Red Fort) where there are many buildings. That is why, from a security standpoint we urged the Prime Minister to rethink his decision. However, PM Modi clearly stated that if this (bulletproof shield) is not removed, he will not address."

When was it removed?

The security team agreed with PM Modi's condition and remove the glass shield of Red Fort just before August 15 celebration.

"Due to this, I and the director of IB changed our standpoint and decided to remove the bulletproof glass. This glass shield was then removed on the intervening night of August 14 and 15, at about 2 am," said Mathur.

The incident comes in the spotlight as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again violated the protocol during 80th Independence day celebrations where he met school children, NCC cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers at Red Fort after his speech.