Chandigarh, October 19, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit to France has triggered a political controversy, with opposition leaders questioning the purpose, timing and expenses of the trip and alleging that it is being used as a “birthday trip” to Paris.
The visit is linked to Punjab State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. (MARKFED) participating in SIAL 2026, an international food trade show in Paris being held from October 17 to October 21. Opposition parties, however, have questioned why the chief minister’s presence is necessary and whether family members are accompanying him at public expense.
Opposition Questions Purpose of France Visit
BJP leaders Tarun Chugh and Ravneet Singh Bittu, along with Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, have questioned the nature of Mann’s France visit.
They have asked the Punjab government to clarify the official purpose of the tour, provide details of the delegation and disclose who is bearing the expenses associated with the visit.
BJP Calls It a ‘Birthday Trip’
The controversy has intensified because Mann’s birthday fell around the time of the France visit.
Opposition leaders have alleged that the official engagement is being used as a cover for a personal celebration in Paris.
Tarun Chugh accused the chief minister of prioritising a family trip at a time when Punjab is dealing with serious concerns over drugs, law and order and financial pressures.
Questions Raised Over Family Members
Opposition leaders have also questioned reports that Mann’s wife is accompanying him on the trip.
Chugh asked whether she is officially part of the delegation and, if so, who is paying for her travel and accommodation.
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu similarly demanded transparency over the source of funding and said the state treasury should not be used for what he described as a family holiday.
MARKFED Participating in SIAL 2026
The official purpose of the France visit is connected to MARKFED’s participation in SIAL 2026.
MARKFED has been allotted a stall in the India Pavilion through the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, or APEDA, which functions under the Union Commerce Ministry.
The Punjab government has presented the trip as part of efforts to promote the state’s agricultural and food products in international markets.
Opposition Seeks Official Invitation
One of the major questions raised by opposition leaders concerns the formal invitation for the trip.
They have demanded that the Punjab government make public any invitation issued to Mann and explain whether the chief minister was personally invited or whether the invitation was primarily for MARKFED’s participation in the trade event.
They have also sought details on the official protocol and expected expenditure.
Punjab’s Drug Crisis Becomes Political Flashpoint
The criticism comes at a time when Punjab is facing renewed political debate over drug abuse and law-and-order issues.
Opposition leaders have cited the recent killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa while accusing the chief minister of travelling abroad during a sensitive period for the state.
Law-and-Order Concerns Also Raised
BJP leaders have further pointed to gangster activity, attacks and other security concerns while questioning the timing of Mann’s foreign visit.
They argue that the chief minister should remain focused on developments within the state rather than travelling abroad at a time of heightened political and security concerns.
The criticism remains part of a wider political dispute, and these claims have been made by opposition parties rather than established as findings against the Punjab government.
High Court Cleared France Visit
The visit had already become the subject of a legal dispute after the Centre initially denied political clearance for Mann’s proposed trip.
The Punjab government challenged that decision in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
On October 16, the court allowed the Punjab government’s plea and cleared the way for the visit, questioning the Centre’s explanation for denying political clearance.
Centre Had Cited Concerns Over Clearance
During the court proceedings, the Centre raised issues including security concerns and questions surrounding the nature of the invitation.
The Punjab government argued that the denial of clearance was arbitrary and prevented the state from promoting its products and economic interests internationally.
The High Court ultimately allowed the visit to proceed.
Political Row Intensifies Ahead of Punjab Elections
The controversy comes as Punjab moves closer to the next Assembly election, adding a political dimension to the dispute.
Opposition parties are using the France visit to question the AAP government’s priorities, while the state government has maintained that the trip is connected to international trade promotion.
The debate is expected to continue as opposition leaders seek greater disclosure about the delegation, expenses and official engagements connected to the France visit.
Source: NDTV, Hindustan Times, India Today, The Indian Express
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