AAP claims Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann detained at Delhi airport, fined ₹50,000
The ruling party in Punjab alleges official vendetta, while the BJP questions public expenditure on the Chief Minister's European trip.
The Aam Aadmi Party has claimed that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was detained for three hours at Delhi airport and issued a ₹50,000 fine following his return from an official trip to Paris.
Punjab AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu stated that the Chief Minister was delayed by airport officials who initially cited luggage handling and inspection procedures. Pannu alleged that officials later issued a challan of ₹50,000 under instructions from higher authorities. The party did not specify the formal regulatory or customs grounds under which the fine was levied.
AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj also criticised the delay, calling it an example of central arrogance after Mann returned from promoting state goods abroad.
Why Mann travelled to Paris
Mann had travelled to France to attend SIAL Paris 2026, an international food trade exhibition running from 17 to 21 October. During the visit, he inaugurated a stall for the state-run cooperative MARKFED and launched two new products under its Sohna brand.
The Chief Minister’s visit took place after the Punjab and Haryana High Court cleared the trip, setting aside an earlier decision by the central government declining political clearance. Pannu alleged that central authorities had repeatedly withheld travel permissions in the past and claimed that Indian consular officials in Paris did not receive the Chief Minister.
BJP raises questions on governance and expenditure
The episode has intensified political sparring between the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which raised questions over the purpose and funding of the Chief Minister's travel.
BJP leaders questioned whether state funds were used appropriately, highlighting domestic priorities back home. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh criticised the overseas tour, asserting that the state administration should focus firmly on local challenges, including the campaign against narcotics and maintaining law and order. Chugh alleged that Mann had combined official duties with private birthday celebrations alongside his family.
Former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu also demanded transparency from the Punjab government regarding the delegation's itinerary and expenditure.
| Leader | Party | Main contention | Position on Paris visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltej Pannu | AAP | Airport delay and ₹50,000 challan | Legitimate state investment mission |
| Tarun Chugh | BJP | Governance focus and family presence | Questioned necessity and timing |
| Ravneet Singh Bittu | BJP | Use of state treasury funds | Demanded disclosure of official invitation |
Bittu asked whether France had extended an official invitation directly to the Chief Minister or merely to MARKFED, urging the state government to disclose the exact expenses incurred. Aviation and customs authorities at Delhi airport have not issued an official statement regarding the specifics of the inspection or the nature of the fine.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Duration of alleged airport detention | 3 hours | Punjab AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu |
| Penalty issued at airport | ₹50,000 | Punjab AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu |
| Trade event attended in France | SIAL Paris 2026 | Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Aam Aadmi Party | Ruling party in Punjab alleging political harassment of its Chief Minister. |
| Bhagwant Mann | Chief Minister of Punjab who was allegedly detained and fined at Delhi airport. |
| Delhi airport | Airport where the alleged delay and challan occurred. |
