Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Jan 25: Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi, had cancelled his proposed visit to Tumakuru to have a final glimpse of Sri Shivakumara Swamiji and pay him respects, citing security concerns. There has been widespread displeasure about his decision, and several have questioned the legitimacy of the security concern claim.

People point out that elaborate security had been provided during the final journey of the 'God who walked on earth'. As per security arrangement titled 'Operation orange Book' drafted by the police, VVIPs and VIPs were provided tight security. Security and traffic control plans were drawn up elaborately a month in advance, expecting such an eventuality and the police were expecting several chief ministers and central ministers too to visit Tumakuru.

The name, 'Operation Orange' was chosen as the late Swamiji wore saffron clothes. Even deputy chief minister, Dr G Parameshwar, commented that the PM attends marriages of dignitaries but he has no time to pay last respects to the Swamiji. Police sources too feel that lack of security could never have been an issue here. They say that even if heads of some other countries had come with the PM, they would have handled the security well.

The security arrangements made for the programme had no loopholes and it came in for lavish praise as the programme with the participation of eight to ten lac people was handled without a loophole. Therefore there is a feeling that the PM should have come here.

The PM instead chose to attend 'Pravasi Bharat Diwas' programme' held on the same day at Varanasi. Giving precedence to this programme instead of coming to Tumakuru has made many people angry.