Chandigarh, October 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has accused the BJP-led Central government of political retaliation, alleging that he was denied permission to visit France and subsequently made to wait for two hours at Delhi airport, where officials allegedly demanded an arbitrary challan of Rs 50,000 despite finding nothing objectionable in his belongings.
Addressing the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann linked the incidents to what he described as the Centre’s use of government agencies to target political opponents. He also raised questions about the functioning of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged that other Election Commissioners were not being consulted on important decisions.
Explaining the purpose of his proposed France visit, Mann said he regularly travelled abroad to attract investment to Punjab. He cited his previous visits to Japan, South Korea and Germany, referring to investments and business projects that followed.
The Chief Minister said he had been invited to attend a major food industry exhibition in France, where international brands and around 150 Indian stalls were participating. He added that Markfed’s SOHNA brand had also set up a stall at the event and that representatives from several Indian states had invited him to visit their displays.
Mann alleged that the Centre initially denied permission for his visit, prompting him to approach the High Court. According to him, the court directed that the necessary protocol be provided to him.
Recounting his experience at Delhi airport upon his return, Mann said officials asked him to wait for two hours. He claimed that he requested the authorities to follow the protocol applicable to chief ministers but was nevertheless subjected to the delay.
“I was asked to have my belongings checked, and I complied with the inspection. Nothing objectionable was found among my belongings. After two hours, they asked me to leave. They told me that they were under pressure from above,” Mann said.
He further alleged that officials asked him to pay a challan of Rs 50,000, claiming that their jobs were at risk. Mann described the demand as arbitrary and questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Chief Minister also named Manish, whom he identified as the brother of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the head of Customs at Delhi airport. Mann alleged that the episode reflected a pattern of retaliation against individuals by those in positions of authority.
Turning to another matter, Mann criticised the alleged imposition of the National Security Act (NSA) on a female student and referred to an incident in which a 15-year-old girl was allegedly made to apologise. He claimed that the action amounted to retaliation over protests and referred to judicial criticism by the Allahabad High Court in Prayagraj.
Mann also questioned the decision-making process within the Election Commission, alleging that even other Election Commissioners had said they were not consulted on key decisions taken by Gyanesh Kumar.
“Why should they worry when they have Gyanesh Kumar? Even the Election Commission has said that they’re not being consulted; they make decisions on their own,” he said.
The allegations were made by Mann during his address to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. His claims concerning the airport incident, the alleged demand for a challan and the functioning of constitutional and government authorities were presented as his account of the events.
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