'Remove bulletproof glass or I wont speak': PM told officers ahead of 2014 I-Day
Former defence secretary RK Mathur has recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi insisted on removing the bulletproof glass barrier from the Red Fort before delivering his first Independence Day address as Prime Minister in 2014. Speaking about the episode, Mathur said he and the then Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) had briefed Modi about the security arrangements ahead of August 15.
Former defence secretary RK Mathur recounted a 2014 incident where Prime Minister Narendra Modi insisted on removing the bulletproof glass barrier at the Red Fort before delivering his first Independence Day speech as Prime Minister. Mathur, along with the then Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), briefed Modi about the security arrangements.
Modi reportedly said he could not address the country if the barrier remained. Despite initial opposition from security officials due to the risks involved and the wide view of surrounding areas, including buildings in Chandni Chowk, Modi insisted on its removal. The barrier was taken down just hours before the ceremony at around 2 am on August 14-15.
This was one of several instances where Modi deviated from established security protocols during his tenure.
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