Harsimrat Kaur Badal Targets CM Bhagwant Mann Over France Visit Amid Punjab Protests

October 19, 2026

Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for travelling to France while protests continue in the state over the murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.

Badal accused Mann of abandoning the people of Punjab at a critical time. She alleged that the Chief Minister had neither met Jhota’s family nor assured them of action against those responsible.

In a post on X on Monday, Badal said Mann’s decision to travel abroad reflected his priorities while the state was witnessing protests over Jhota’s death.

“While Punjab is burning with protests over anti-drug crusader Parvinder Singh Jhota’s death, the CM did not find the time to meet the victim family nor give any assurances nor suspend the guilty police officers,” she wrote.

Badal also referred to last year’s floods in Punjab, accusing Mann of leaving the state during difficult situations. She alleged that his latest foreign trip was another example of the Chief Minister distancing himself from the problems facing the state.

Harsimrat Kaur Questions Spending on France Trip

The SAD MP also questioned the use of public money for Mann’s international visit and levelled corruption allegations against him.

Badal alleged that the trip was being funded with public money and made a further claim about the possible purpose of the visit. These were her allegations and were not established in the information provided.

Her remarks come amid the ongoing protest by Jhota’s family and supporters, who are demanding justice in the murder case. The family has also sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

High Court Allowed Mann to Travel to France

Mann’s France visit was challenged after the Centre denied political clearance for the proposed trip. The Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed the Chief Minister to travel following a petition by the state government.

The Ministry of External Affairs had denied political clearance for the visit scheduled from October 15 to 21. The state government approached the High Court after the decision, citing the purpose of the trip.

Mann was scheduled to travel with Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Ravi Bhagat.

According to the state government’s petition, the delegation’s visit was intended to promote Punjab’s agricultural and food-processing products in international markets and explore trade opportunities.

The visit was linked to SIAL Paris 2026, an international food industry exhibition being held from October 17 to 21 at Paris Nord Villepinte.

The political dispute over Mann’s foreign visit has unfolded as protests continue over Jhota’s murder, with opposition leaders questioning the state government’s response to the case.