Punjab CM alleges he was made to sit at Delhi airport, officials told him they were ‘under pressure from above’
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann alleged that he was detained for two hours at Delhi airport and subjected to an arbitrary fine upon returning from France. He claims this is political retaliation by the BJP-led central government, citing pressure from higher authorities.
Why it matters
This incident highlights escalating political tensions between regional state leadership and the central government in India, raising concerns about the use of state agencies for political leverage.
Punjab CM alleges he was made to sit at Delhi airport, officials told him they were ‘under pressure from above’ left Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. File ANI ANI https://th-i.thgim.com/public/news/national/gu0xs4/article71616802.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/20260502449L.jpg Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann told the Punjab Assembly he was kept at the airport for two hours on his return from France and asked to pay an “arbitrary” challan of ₹50,000; the House passed a resolution for an independent probe into the functioning of the Election Commission CHANDIGARH Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday (October 23, 2026) alleged that on his way back from his recent tour to France, he was made to sit at Delhi airport for two hours, where officials told him they were “under pressure from above”.
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