Punjab CM’s Foreign Trip Gets Red Signal from Centre

The Central Government has denied permission for Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s planned foreign visit. The trip was canceled due to the absence of political clearance, marking the third consecutive instance in which the Centre has blocked his overseas travel.

Mann was scheduled to visit the Czech Republic in the Netherlands, but the Centre’s refusal to grant clearance led to the cancellation. Last month as well, his planned visits to the United Kingdom and Israel were not approved by the Centre. Similarly, his trip to France for the Paris Olympics was also called off.

Next month, Punjab is set to host an investment summit, which is expected to see participation from investors from European Union countries. State leaders have expressed dissatisfaction, noting that the Centre’s restrictions could negatively impact international investments in the state. Politically, the situation has sparked controversy, with the Aam Aadmi Party alleging that the Centre imposes restrictive measures on states not governed by the BJP. The episode also underscores that Chief Ministers require political clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs for foreign visits.