Chandigarh, October 21
Why was Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stopped at Delhi Airport for three hours while returning from France, and for violating which rule was he fined ₹50,000? The reason must also be clarified. These were the words of Anil Sarin, State General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Punjab.
According to a statement issued from the party office in Chandigarh, Anil Sarin questioned why the Chief Minister was stopped at the airport and fined. He said that the people of Punjab have every right to know the reason behind the incident. He demanded that the Chief Minister make a copy of the challan public and explain which rule was violated and on what grounds the fine was imposed.
He said that following the Germany tour, the people of Punjab are once again feeling embarrassed. Therefore, the Chief Minister should personally come before the media and provide an explanation.
He added that the Chief Minister holds a constitutional office, but no individual is above the law. Along with the dignity of his office, compliance with the law and accountability to the public are equally essential. If any action was taken under baggage inspection or customs regulations, the relevant facts should be made public.
Anil Sarin demanded that the Chief Minister provide clear information about why he was detained at the airport for three hours and the reported fine of ₹50,000, so that the matter could be clarified on the basis of facts rather than speculation.
He further said that Punjab has once again been put to shame, first by the controversy surrounding the delay of a flight during the Chief Minister’s Germany tour and now by the incident at Delhi Airport.
