Bhagwant Mann’s Paris Return Sparks Row as AAP Claims 3-Hour Airport Detention, ₹50,000 Fine

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was detained for three hours at Delhi airport after returning from Paris and fined ₹50,000, with officials reportedly citing “tremendous pressure from above”.

The party made the allegations on Tuesday but did not clarify why Mann was allegedly detained or what prompted the fine. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, and no independent confirmation of the claims was provided in the report.

Baltej Pannu, Punjab AAP’s media in-charge, linked the alleged incident to what he described as the Centre’s repeated obstruction of Punjab’s interests. He accused the Union government of repeatedly denying permission for Mann’s foreign visits, withholding funds due to the state and mishandling the farmers’ protest.

Pannu alleged that the latest episode was another attempt to create obstacles in Punjab’s development and prevent its government from functioning effectively.

The controversy has raised questions about the circumstances of the alleged airport detention and the reported fine. However, AAP has not provided details of the specific grounds on which the action was taken, nor has the report established who allegedly exerted pressure on the officials.

The party’s allegations come amid its broader political confrontation with the Centre over the treatment of Punjab, the state’s financial demands and the handling of farmers’ concerns.

The reported incident could further intensify tensions between the AAP-led Punjab government and the Union government. Clarification from the authorities on the alleged detention, the basis for the fine and the circumstances surrounding Mann’s return from Paris would be necessary to establish what happened at the airport.

For now, the claims remain those of the AAP, with key details about the alleged incident yet to be explained.