Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses Customs Officials of Political Vendetta at Delhi Airport
Allegations of Political Bias at Delhi Airport
In New Delhi, Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made serious allegations against the customs department at Delhi Airport, claiming that its head, Manish Kumar, is the brother of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Mann contends that upon returning from Paris, he was detained for nearly three hours, during which his luggage was searched, an act he perceives as an attempt to humiliate him and seek revenge. However, the alleged familial connection between the officials and the political motives behind these actions have not been independently verified.
Claims of Detention After Paris Trip
Mann stated that he had traveled to France to participate in a food festival where the Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (Markfed) had set up stalls. He mentioned that representatives from Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh had also invited him to their stalls.
He alleged that initially, he was not allowed to attend the festival and could only do so after intervention from the High Court. Upon his return to Delhi, he claimed that customs officials detained him for about two hours to inspect his luggage, finding nothing objectionable, yet they still issued him a fine.
Political Pressure Allegations
Previously, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had also claimed that Mann was held at Indira Gandhi International Airport for approximately three hours and fined ₹50,000. The party alleged that the officials were operating under significant pressure from higher authorities. They characterized the incident as an attempt to humiliate the Chief Minister and obstruct Punjab's progress, linking it to the purported obstacles faced by Mann in obtaining political clearance for his foreign trips.
Accusations of Retaliation by Officials
Mann asserted that whenever officials have the opportunity, they act out of a sense of revenge against him. He identified the customs head as Manish Kumar, claiming him to be the brother of the Chief Election Commissioner. However, the relationship and the alleged political motivations behind the actions remain unverified.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also accused customs officials of detaining Mann and his wife, Gurpreet Kaur, for around three hours, suggesting that the action was related to questions about carrying excess luggage or money.
Concerns Over Democratic Institutions
Commenting on the current political climate, Mann referred to leaders who come to power through democratic means as 'dictators in a democratic guise.' He accused the central government of undermining democratic institutions and raising doubts about the fairness of the electoral process.
He expressed concern over the removal of names from voter lists, stating that Punjab has historically been a state that raises its voice against oppression and injustice. Mann claimed that the AAP government in Punjab consistently addresses issues affecting the public.
Allegations of Authoritarianism
Mann highlighted that it is alarming for democracy when governments begin to decide who can vote and who cannot. He alleged that 14 crore voters' names have been removed from the electoral rolls.
He claimed that authoritarian tendencies are affecting all four pillars of democracy, leading to a decline in public trust in institutions. Mann also suggested that the electoral process is being manipulated to benefit specific groups, questioning the electoral arrangements in Haryana and Maharashtra, particularly regarding the lack of simultaneous elections.
Scrutiny of ED and CBI Actions
Mann raised questions about the functioning of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging that cases are registered around elections and dropped afterward. He claimed that a similar situation is occurring in Punjab.
The Chief Minister assured that his government will continue to raise public issues and expressed confidence in the AAP's return to power in Punjab. However, the allegations regarding voter lists, actions by central agencies, and his detention at the airport should be viewed separately from verified facts.