New Delhi/Alive News: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday claimed that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was stopped at Delhi airport for around three hours after returning from France and was issued a fine of ₹50,000. The party alleged that officials acted under pressure from higher authorities. However, the claims have not been independently verified.
AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu said officials initially cited delays related to luggage checks. According to him, Mann was preparing to leave the airport when officials issued the fine. Pannu alleged that the officials said they were under pressure from senior authorities.
Former Delhi minister and AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj also criticised the Centre over the alleged incident. Referring to Dussehra, he said that just as Ravana’s arrogance was brought to an end, the arrogance of the Central government should also come to an end.
Mann had travelled to Paris to attend SIAL Paris 2026, an international food trade exhibition held from October 17 to 21. The visit was aimed at promoting Punjab’s agricultural and food products in international markets and attracting business opportunities to the state.
According to AAP, Mann was also not given the expected protocol in Paris. Pannu alleged that the Indian Consul General in Paris did not meet the Chief Minister despite directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The Ministry of External Affairs had earlier denied permission for Mann’s France visit, citing security concerns related to possible threats from radical groups. The Punjab government challenged the decision in the High Court, arguing that the trip was intended to promote the state’s commercial and agricultural interests rather than serve a political purpose.
On October 16, the Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed Mann to travel to France.
Pannu also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government of obstructing Punjab’s development. He alleged that the Centre had withheld funds due to the state, repeatedly denied permission for the Chief Minister’s foreign visits and failed to address farmers’ concerns during their protests at Delhi’s borders.
The AAP leader claimed that the Centre was concerned that Mann’s foreign visits could help Punjab attract investment. The allegations against the Centre and the reported airport fine have not been independently confirmed.
