MHA denies CM Mann Paris travel, cites security concerns

Chief minister Bhagwant Mann was eager to support the national hockey squad during its first quarterfinal match in the ongoing Olympics on August 4.

Citing security concerns, the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has not granted clearance to Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann for his planned visit to Paris to support the Indian Hockey team in the Olympics.

Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann.

CM Mann, who holds a red diplomatic passport that typically allows for expedited visa processing, had sought political clearance from the MHA for his Paris visit to cheer up the hockey team, which is set to play its first quarterfinal match in the ongoing Olympics on August 4. With a significant number of the players hailing from Punjab, Mann was eager to show his support in person but the Centre cited security concerns related to his status as a Z+ security protectee.

The Union ministry’s decision reflects the stringent security measures in place to ensure his safety during the international travel, which ultimately prevented him from making the trip. “Paris is too much crowded as several people have thronged the city for Olympics. The Punjab chief minister needs maximum security in view of various threats, thus the MHA has not given nod for the visit. It was not possible to arrange Z+ security at a short notice according to the MHA,” confirmed a Punjab official, wishing not to be named.

The CM envisioned that this historic win would pave the way for restoring the pristine glory of the national game in the country.