6 hrs ago
Punjab CM's Europe Visit Hangs on Centre's Clearance
Punjab's Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, wants to go to Europe in October to show off the state's food and farm products at big shows in France and Italy.
But the central government in India needs to say it's okay first.
The problem is, the central government has said no to his trips before, like when he wanted to watch the Olympics in Paris and visit the UK and Israel.
Some other leaders from Punjab also had trouble getting permission to travel.
The Chief Minister has gone on some trips, like to Japan and South Korea, but these were for business meetings.
Now, everyone is waiting to see if the central government will allow this trip to Europe.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann plans to visit Europe in October for agricultural exhibitions in France and Italy.
The trip requires political clearance from the Centre, which has denied Mann's previous travel requests.
Mann was denied clearance to attend the Olympics in Paris in August 2024 and a UK-Israel trip in January 2026.
Other Punjab leaders, including Harbhajan Singh ETO and Kultar Singh Sandhwan, have also faced travel restrictions.
Mann has successfully traveled to Japan and South Korea for investment-related engagements.
- Who
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and state officials
- What
- Proposed visit to Europe for agricultural exhibitions
- Where
- France and Italy
- When
- October 2024
- Why
- To showcase Punjab's agricultural and food products
Key facts
- Chief Minister
- Bhagwant Mann
- Proposed Travel Dates
- October 2024
- Destinations
- France, Italy
- Purpose
- Showcase agricultural and food products
- Previous Rejections
- August 2024 (Paris), January 2026 (UK, Israel)
Quotes
A government source
An unnamed source familiar with the Punjab government’s proposed Europe visit
“There is a plan. The CM wants to see the exhibitions as the state will be showcasing its products.”
indianexpress.com











