Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann allegedly detained at Delhi airport

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the central government of deliberately humiliating Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann following his return from Paris. According to AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu, Mann was detained at Delhi airport for approximately three hours under the pretext of luggage delays and was subsequently issued a fine of ₹50,000.

Pannu alleged that airport officials claimed they were acting under ‘tremendous pressure from above’. The Chief Minister had traveled to France to participate in the SIAL Paris 2026 international food trade exhibition to promote Punjab’s agricultural products, a trip taken following orders from the Punjab and Haryana High Court after the Centre had initially denied him a no-objection certificate.

The AAP has characterized the incident as a targeted attempt to obstruct Punjab’s progress and undermine its leadership. In response to these allegations, Congress leader Udit Raj has called on the BJP-led central government to provide a proper explanation regarding the detention and the fine.