Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was allegedly kept at Delhi airport for nearly three hours after returning from Paris and subsequently issued a ₹50,000 challan, according to a claim made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Baltej Pannu.
In a video statement, Pannu, who handles media affairs for the Punjab AAP unit, alleged that airport officials delayed Mann’s departure despite his having collected his luggage. He also claimed that officials referred to “tremendous pressure from above” before issuing the challan. However, Pannu did not disclose the stated reason for the penalty.
The allegations have triggered fresh criticism from the AAP against the Centre, with the party accusing the Union government of obstructing Punjab’s interests and development.
AAP questions airport officials’ conduct
According to Pannu, Mann had travelled to Paris to promote Punjab’s well-known food products at an international food festival. He also alleged that the state government’s expectations of official protocol during the visit were not met, claiming that the Consul General in Paris did not receive the chief minister.
Pannu further said that Mann faced an unexplained delay after landing in Delhi. He alleged that airport personnel initially attributed the wait to the arrival and inspection of baggage, but later approached the chief minister as he was preparing to leave.
The AAP leader described the alleged treatment as disrespectful to Punjab and its elected leadership. No independent confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the reported detention or the reason for the challan was provided in the statement.
Party accuses Centre of targeting Punjab
Pannu connected the alleged airport incident to broader disagreements between the Punjab government and the Centre. He raised concerns over the denial of permission for Mann’s overseas trips, the release of funds to the state and the Union government’s response to the farmers’ agitation.
He also claimed that the Centre had rejected permission for the chief minister’s foreign visits on at least four occasions. According to Pannu, such decisions could limit Punjab’s opportunities to attract overseas investment, promote local industries and expand its economic prospects.
The AAP leader accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of taking steps that, in his view, undermined Punjab’s interests and Punjabi identity.
Questions remain over the alleged fine
While Pannu made serious allegations about the circumstances of Mann’s return, his statement did not establish the specific grounds on which the ₹50,000 challan was reportedly issued. Further details from airport authorities or other official sources would be needed to clarify the matter.
The episode adds to the ongoing political tensions between the AAP-led Punjab government and the BJP-led Union government. The competing claims and the absence of a publicly established explanation for the reported penalty leave key aspects of the incident unresolved.
