Political friction flared between Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and India's central government after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was briefly detained and fined at Indira Gandhi International Airport upon returning from an official visit to France.

Mann, who returned to India late Monday night, was held for nearly three hours by customs officials who cited missing baggage. Officials subsequently issued a 50,000-rupee ($815 CAD) fine shortly after Mann boarded his vehicle to exit the terminal.

AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu characterized the detention as politically motivated retaliation. The central government had previously denied Mann political clearance to attend the SIAL Paris 2026 international food festival. Mann proceeded with the trip only after the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened on Oct. 17, granting permission and directing central authorities to extend standard diplomatic protocols.

According to AAP spokespersons, central authorities further violated court orders during the trip, claiming the Consulate General of India in France failed to meet the Chief Minister upon his arrival in Paris.

During the festival, Mann launched several regional agro-products to promote Punjab’s food processing industry internationally. Opposition figures, including senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, confirmed that airport authorities also ordered baggage verifications for accompanying delegation officials. 

Central government representatives have not yet issued a public statement regarding the airport delay or the fine.