— By Pragati Sablok
Lapse in the security of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ferozepur, Punjab has assumed centre-stage in the debate on Indian security system. Much has been deliberated from different angles about the lapse in PM’s security in Punjab and the response deficits at various levels. Such a lapse, besides portending a security threat, reflects a deep professional failure that points to a larger fault-line where we fail to be objective on comprehending the gravity of the issue. Undoubtedly, the lapse in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security arrangements can be seen as a serious mistake. While there may be enquiries and efforts to fix responsibilities, the question that remains is, what are the larger repercussions and connotations of such violation of security arrangements of head of the state?
PM as an Embodiment of Indian Democracy
In both theory and practice, the PM of India represents the democratic values and spirit which is integral to the idea of India. In a democratic setting, it becomes customary to provide top-most security to those who occupy the highest public positions to facilitate their free and smooth functioning. As such, any assault on their security would be tantamount to a breach in the democratic doctrine itself. Therefore, overall responsibility to provide protection to the PM lies with as much as with the Special Protection Group (SPG) as with the local security apparatus, thereby encouraging coordinated efforts with the state police and other functionaries, including intelligence agencies.
PM as an Institution
The Prime Minister of India is not only an embodiment of democratic values but represents an entire institution in itself since the functioning of the overall country and its related paraphernalia depend on his well-being. Therefore, security of the PM is a matter of sovereignty, integrity and dignity of the nation. It is imperative that there exists no role or goal conflicts at any level as the PM represents as much an institution as democratic ideals of India.
Commenting on the security breach of PM Modi Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has rightly underlined that “Prime Minister of India is an institution and it is the duty of every Government to provide fool proof security and safeguard the dignity of this institution. Anything contrary should be unacceptable in our democracy”.
Federalism as an Epitome of Centre-State relations
Considering the federal nature of the Indian polity, it is pertinent that security arrangement is based on proper consultations and adequate coordination between the centre and the state. Consequently, the lack of coordination in security arrangements has again raised the question of relationship between the Centre and state. The incident has brought to the surface numerous questions on the role of state police and state government, particularly with Punjab being a border state adjacent to India-Pakistan border. Such lapse in security of the head of the state may provide opportunity to anti-social elements to inflict instability, which could have larger implications for the security of the entire country.
Given such circumstances, coordination between security apparatuses of state and the centre assumes far greater importance, regardless of the prevailing political and ideological dispensation. In fact, the state administration and agencies have much greater role in security arrangements particularly when PM is on tour in the concerned state. Unfortunately, it has been overlooked, and the concept of centre-state relations seems to have faltered. Undoubtedly, the failure at the end of state administration cannot be overlooked and there is a need to ensure accountability, and any further discrepancy must be addressed to avoid such incidents in future.
PM Modi as the Face of India at the Global Stage
PM Modi has been recognised as a global leader because of his leadership acumen and conviction to deliver. According to the global rating survey released by the US-based global leader approval tracker Morning Consult, PM Modi has recently topped the list of most popular world leaders. The survey showed PM Modi occupying the top position with an approval rating of 71 per cent, followed by the Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador with 66 per cent approval rating and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi with 60 per cent approval. Considering the popularity of PM Modi across the globe, representing the face of India, his security becomes paramount importance not only from the perspective of strong leadership at home but also at the global stage.
Notwithstanding the political dispensation, the PM represents the entire country. Therefore, the onus lies on both centre and state administration to oversee the security and safety arrangements of PM, regardless of time and venue. There should not be any deficit in response capability of security apparatus since safeguarding the Prime Minister is a matter of National Security.
((The writer is Member of Lok Adalat, Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh. She can be contacted @ [email protected]))
