‘I’m a great admirer of Modiji’: Boy who breached security of PM in Hubballi

HUBBALLI: Twelve-year-old Kunal Dongadi, a resident of Torvi Hakkal in Old Hubballi, who breached Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security cover on Thursday, when he was here to inaugurate the National Youth Festival, says he has been a huge admirer of the PM right from the age of eight.

Kunal hails from a well-to-do family which is inclined towards nationalism, Hinduism and RSS, which has had an influence on him. Modi had visited Hubballi when Kunal was eight years old and when he got to know that the PM was visiting the city again on Thursday, he was excited.

Kunal Dongadi narrating his experience.

On Thursday, Kunal, along with his uncle Shanmukha, grandfather Mohan and niece Brahmini, who was dressed in RSS uniform, had come to Gokul Road to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister. The family had planned to get Brahmini to garland the PM if they got an opportunity during the roadshow. “But the cavalcade did not come close. On seeing the Prime Minister, I was overcome with emotion and ran to present the garland to him. The police pushed me away, but the PM took my garland and my left hand touched him, which made me very excited”, the boy said.

Leaders of the SSK Samaj felicitated the boy.

“We had planned to get Brahmini to present the garland. My uncle was holding a banner and my grandfather was carrying my niece while I was holding the garland. Modiji was passing by, so I crossed the barricade to present the garland. I was aware of the presence of the security personnel, but I was determined to garland the PM. Four years ago, when the PM had come here, the convoy sped past us. This time, I wanted to see him”, he said.

On how he felt after seeing the PM from close quarters, Kunal said, “I’m happy he took the garland. My left had touched him and I’m excited about that. A traffic policeman picked me up and put me back across the barricade. Some of the flowers from the garland are still with me.” Further, he said all states should have capable leaders like Modi and only then, things will improve”.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said an inquiry into the security breach is being conducted.

Meanwhile, the Somavamsha Sahasrarjuna Kshatriya (SSK) Samaj said the family has apologised for the incident to the Prime Minister and the security establishment. “The boy was excited and is a great admirer of the PM. He did not have any ill intentions. We have advised him not to indulge in any such misadventure again. We have also spoken to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi regarding this”, the office-bearers said.

Reacting to the incident, Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi said an inquiry is on into the security breach. ” As per the information I have received, the boy committed the act as he is a huge admirer of the PM. I don’t think there should be any major problem”, he added.