Bhagwant Mann Alleges Political Retaliation After Delhi Airport Customs Fine

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has accused the BJP-led Centre of political retaliation after he was stopped for a Customs inspection at Delhi airport and fined ₹50,000 upon returning from Paris. Speaking during a Punjab Assembly debate, Mann alleged that officials initially allowed him to leave after checking his baggage but later called him back, citing “pressure from above.” He described the incident as political revenge, saying, “This is how they take revenge.”

According to reports, Mann and his wife, Gurpreet Kaur, arrived in Delhi on an Air France flight late on October 19. Officials reportedly inspected their baggage after Mann allegedly used the Green Channel despite carrying items requiring declaration through the Red Channel. The reported items included shoes, belts, clothes, watches and jewellery. Two Punjab government officials, Principal Secretary Ravi Bhagat and Resident Commissioner S. Karuna Raju, initially paid the penalty through the Resident Commissioner’s imprest account, with Mann subsequently reimbursing the amount.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged that Mann was unnecessarily harassed, while BJP Punjab general secretary Anil Sarin demanded that the Chief Minister disclose the items that attracted the fine and publish the receipt. Sarin maintained that Customs checks are routine and that official status does not automatically exempt baggage from inspection. Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident, making allegations about excess luggage and undeclared funds.

The controversy follows a Punjab and Haryana High Court ruling on October 16 that allowed Mann to visit France after the Centre denied political clearance. The court found the original refusal insufficiently explained, while the state maintained that the visit was intended to promote Punjab’s agricultural products at SIAL Paris 2026, held from October 17 to 21. The Centre had cited security concerns and the absence of a formal French government invitation.

Mann also alleged that Delhi airport Customs head Manish Kumar is related to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, linking the episode to a wider political dispute. Punjab’s Assembly has sought an independent inquiry into alleged electoral irregularities and the Election Commission’s functioning. However, no evidence has publicly established that the alleged family relationship influenced the airport action.

Mann further warned that proposed trade agreements could threaten Indian farmers’ livelihoods, urging transparent consultations involving Parliament, state governments and farming communities. He also raised questions about a proposed visit to Lahore for the World Punjabi Conference on November 27.