Former defence chief says Modi demanded removal of Red Fort glass barrier in 2014
Former defence secretary RK Mathur recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked for the bullet-proof glass at the Red Fort to be taken away before his inaugural Independence Day speech in 2014.
RK Mathur, who served as defence secretary, recounted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanded the elimination of a bullet-proof glass barrier at the Red Fort prior to delivering his first Independence Day address in 2014. Mathur explained that the Intelligence Bureau had briefed the prime minister on the security arrangements for the event, specifically mentioning the glass installation. During the briefing, Modi reportedly told officials that the presence of the glass would prevent him from addressing citizens effectively.
Mathur said the request was carried out before the ceremony on August 15. The anecdote highlights the leader’s preference for an unobstructed view while speaking to one outlet.
Why it matters
It shows how security protocols were altered for a high-profile political event, reflecting the prime minister’s priorities.
In this story
