Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann 'detained for 3 hours' at Delhi airport, fined Rs 50k

Aam Aadmi Party has alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was detained at Delhi airport. (File photo)CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann was detained for three hours at Delhi airport late on Oct 19 and challaned Rs 50,000 on his return from a food trade fair in Paris.AAP state media in charge Baltej Pannu said the incident reflects BJP-led Centre’s deliberate attempt to “humiliate” Mann and “undermine Punjab’s dignity.” Pannu alleged, “When the CM returned from Paris and arrived at Delhi airport, he was deliberately detained. Excuses were made that his luggage was ‘still arriving’ or was ‘still being checked’. These were outright lies. After three hours, when Mann ji was allowed to leave, he was issued a challan of Rs 50,000.”Pannu alleged, “....After three hours, when Mann ji was allowed to leave and was about to depart after placing his luggage in the vehicle, officials came running after him and said that they were under ‘tremendous pressure from above’. Then, they issued an absurd challan of Rs 50,000. This is a direct attack on Punjab’s identity and dignity.”Pannu did not specify why the fine was imposed but alleged that the entire episode was “carried out under orders from above”.This controversy is a continuation of the AAP govt-vs-Centre tussle over Mann’s France visit. After Centre denied political clearance to Mann for the Paris trip, Punjab govt moved the Punjab and Haryana high court, which set aside the Centre’s decision, observing that it “had not explained what that political angle/viewpoint is”.Pannu said that while approving Mann’s France visit, HC had directed that the Punjab CM be accorded due protocol, but such was the “ill intent” of the Centre that even the Consul General in Paris did not come to meet him.“Has any chief minister ever been detained at an airport for three hours in this manner? Has any CM ever been disrespected by being issued a challan of Rs 50,000? This is happening solely because Bhagwant Singh Mann is a Punjabi, is the chief minister of Punjab, and is working day and night for the betterment of Punjab,” Pannu said.He added that there had been four instances when the Centre denied political clearances to Mann to travel abroad. “The Modi govt fears that if the CM travels abroad, he will bring investment and funds from there and put Punjab on the path of progress.”SAD general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia posted on X: “According to sources, they (Mann and his wife) were questioned for hours over allegedly carrying more luggage or money than permitted. They reportedly failed to provide an explanation. They were eventually allowed to leave, considering Mann’s position as chief minister. However, orders were issued to verify the bags of the entire CMO staff.”The AAP leadership alleged that the incident was linked to BJP-led Centre’s “anti-Punjab” bias. Pannu said, “PM Narendra Modi and his govt leave no opportunity to undermine Punjab and Punjabi identity. Whether it is forcibly keeping farmers at Delhi’s borders for 1.5 years or withholding funds rightfully due to Punjab, the Centre has continuously tried to choke Punjab at every level.”