Centre Denies Travel Clearance to Punjab CM and Assembly Speaker

In a recent development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been denied political clearance by the Centre for his visit to Paris to support the Indian hockey team at the ongoing Olympic Games. The decision, reportedly due to security concerns for Mann, who holds a Z-plus security status, has attracted criticism.

Simultaneously, Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan was also denied political clearance to travel to the United States for a legislature conference. He claimed this move is part of a broader pattern affecting opposition-ruled states.

The denial has sparked an outcry among political leaders from non-BJP-ruled states, who accuse the Centre of undermining federal cooperation and engaging in discriminatory practices. The refusal to permit Mann and Sandhwan's travel has raised questions about political motives and the federal structure's integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)