Punjab CM's Paris Trip Blocked Amidst Indian Hockey Triumph

The Centre denied Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann political clearance for his Paris trip to support the Indian Hockey team at the Olympic Games. The refusal was due to security concerns for Mann, a Z-Plus security protectee. His visit was slated for August 3 to 9.

The Centre has refused political clearance to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his scheduled visit to Paris to support the Indian Hockey team at the Olympic Games, an official source disclosed on Saturday.

Mann, who holds a diplomatic passport, was set to visit Paris from August 3 to 9 for the quarterfinal match on August 4, but his request for political clearance was denied.

The refusal was attributed to the difficulty in arranging Z-Plus level security for Mann on short notice, according to a state government source. His office was informed of the decision on Friday evening.