Delhi Turned Into Emergency-Like Lockdown, Protesters Beaten & Jailed For Raising Questions, Democracy Cannot Function Through Fear: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Chandigarh, October 16, 2026: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann condemned the emergency-like situation in Delhi, where 70,000 police personnel were deployed and protesters were beaten and detained for raising questions, saying democracy cannot function through fear and force. He questioned the BJP-led Central Government’s handling of dissent and its commitment to democratic rights. The Chief Minister also questioned the restrictions on his official travel, pointing out that he was denied permission to visit Japan for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey final and had to approach the High Court for permission to attend a Delhi food festival to promote Punjab’s interests, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels freely across the world.
Criticising the handling of protests and political dissent, he said, “Sometimes the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) people turn up, and they are beaten. Sometimes a political party raises questions about the Election Commission, and they are beaten. Delhi is locked down as if there is an Emergency, with 70,000 police personnel deployed so that nobody can enter. Why? These are democratic rights. If people want to come, let them come.”
“Instead, they are picked up and put in jail. The Prime Minister is afraid of little children. Just hold a press conference and answer questions. I also want to tell the people of Gujarat to ask him hold one press conference there. Then we will see,” he affirmed.
*Why Must I Approach the Court to Promote Punjab’s Interests? CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed gratitude to the High Court for granting him permission to travel to Delhi for a food festival where Markfed would set up a stall. Questioning the restrictions on his travel, he said, “The High Court has granted me permission to go to Delhi for the food festival, where Markfed will put up its stall. But why should we have to obtain permission from the High Court for this? Do we now have to approach the court for everything?
“The Prime Minister can travel across the entire world. He goes to China, Malaysia and wherever else he wants to go. But when I want to go somewhere for Punjab’s work, to bring investment to the state, or to participate in a food festival where Markfed will set up a stall, we are denied permission. We are going there to promote Punjab’s interests, not to hold a political rally,” asserted the Chief Minister
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also questioned the denial of permission for his proposed visit to Japan for the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament. He said, “Earlier, when the Asian Champions Trophy was being held in Japan, I was not granted permission to go and watch the hockey final. The tournament was scheduled to begin on the 27th, and the participating countries were the same Asian nations that had competed there in Japan.”
“They grant permission to our officers, but Bhagwant Mann cannot go. Are they so afraid of me? I am not going there to hold a political rally. My purpose is to participate in engagements connected with Punjab’s interests and promote the state. The High Court has now granted me permission to travel for the Markfed engagement. I thank the court for granting me this permission. We are leaving tonight,” shared the Chief Minister.
*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Challenges PM Modi to Hold a Press Conference and Answer Journalists’ Questions*
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the media and answer questions from journalists. He said, “I want to appeal to the Prime Minister today: please hold a press conference. How many years has it been since 2014? We are approaching 2027, and nearly twelve and a half years have passed. At least hold one press conference and answer journalists’ questions. Why do you keep running away from answering them?”
The Chief Minister pointed out, “I hold three press conferences in a single day, and I have no fear because I am an honest person. I have nothing to hide or conceal. Why does the Prime Minister not hold a press conference?”