New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs has denied permission to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who wished to go to Paris. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann along with his wife wanted to watch the quarter-final of the hockey match which is slated for August 4, 2024. Paris Olympics started on July 26 and the Indian Hockey team has reached the quarter-finals. A letter was written to the Ministry of External Affairs on behalf of the Chief Minister seeking permission to visit Paris from August 3 to August 9.
MEA has cited late request and security reasons as the reason of denial. It is reported that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann is entitled to Z+ security and arranging it within a short period would not be possible. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann along with his wife and others wanted to visit Paris to cheer off the Indian Hockey team. The hockey team of India which consist of 10 players alone from Punjab has made its place in the Quater finals.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann reaction
On denial to visit Paris, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann showed his dismay on centre’s decision. As per a report CM Mann said, “Ten players in the hockey team are from Punjab. They have created history today by winning a match against Australia in the Olympics after 52 years. My officers were told that they applied for permission late. However, it was only after the hockey team cleared initial matches that we could decide to go to cheer them on.”
He added that the Government of India was blatant in denying him permission, even though he had a diplomatic passport. Targeting PM, he even added that PM Modi alone wants to travel abroad and denying permission as he is CM of an opposition ruled state.
India defeated Australia after 52 years
Notably, Indian Hockey team defeated Australia after 52 years. Congratulating on huge victory, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann in a post on X wrote, “ndian hockey team defeated Australia today after 52 years in the history of Olympics… In this victory of 3-2 team captain Harmanpreet Singh had two important goals… Congratulations to the entire team and best wishes for the quarter-finals..”
ਭਾਰਤੀ ਹਾਕੀ ਟੀਮ ਨੇ ਓਲੰਪਿਕਸ ਦੇ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਵਿੱਚ 52 ਸਾਲ ਬਾਅਦ ਅੱਜ ਆਸਟਰੇਲੀਆ ਨੂੰ ਹਰਾਇਆ…3-2 ਦੀ ਇਸ ਜਿੱਤ ਵਿੱਚ ਟੀਮ ਦੇ ਕਪਤਾਨ ਹਰਮਨਪ੍ਰੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਦੇ ਦੋ ਅਹਿਮ ਗੋਲ ਸਨ…. ਸਮੁੱਚੀ ਟੀਮ ਨੂੰ ਮੁਬਾਰਕਾਂ ਤੇ ਕੁਆਰਟਰ ਫ਼ਾਈਨਲ ਲਈ ਸ਼ੁੱਭਕਾਮਨਾਵਾਂ…
ਚੱਕ ਦੇ ਇੰਡੀਆ…
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) August 2, 2024