Omar Abdullah questions PM Narendra Modi for 'breaching' security protocols

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew in a single-engine seaplane and later was seen standing on the side-step of his moving armoured vehicle as he waved to supporters.

Photo courtesy: ANI

New Delhi: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday questioned Narendra Modi's decision to fly in a single-engine seaplane and asked why security guidelines were relaxed for the Prime Minister.

Hours after being denied permission by the authorities to conduct a roadshow in Ahmedabad, PM Modi flew to Dharoi dam in a seaplane and offered prayers at the Ambaji Temple. The BJP said it was the first "the first-ever flight by a seaplane in the country". 

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi waves to the crowd from a #seaplane at Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Riverfront #GujaratElection2017 pic.twitter.com/JkxdZg0Y9X — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017

Abdullah however appeared taken aback at the decision to have the country's Prime Minister in a single-engine seaplane and said that VVIPs are not permitted to fly in such aircrafts.

How is it that the security guidelines were relaxed for this flight? No Z+ protectee is allowed to fly in a single engine aircraft, much less the PM of our country. pic.twitter.com/MocJIKh6es — Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 12, 2017

He also questioned the decision to have a foreign pilot flying the seaplane when such tasks are usually carried out by Indian Air Force pilots.

PM Modi though seemed unfazed and later in the day, was also seen standing on the side-step of his heavily-armoured car while it was moving as part of a convoy - waving to followers - en route to Ambaji Temple.

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his way to Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/48gE1EAQ0q — ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2017

VVIP security has been a matter hotly debated - especially with certain reports previously alleging that Congress President Rahul Gandhi has often given his security cordon the slip.