Centre denied political clearance for CM Mann’s proposed visit to UK, Israel: Punjab AAP

The Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has raised concerns over the Centre's recent decision to deny political clearance for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's proposed visits to the United Kingdom and Israel. This development comes in the wake of Mann's earlier statement in August 2024, where he expressed disappointment over being barred from traveling to Paris to support the Indian hockey team. The AAP has criticized these actions, suggesting they reflect undue political interference in the Chief Minister's international engagements. The Centre's decision has sparked debate over the protocols governing political clearance for international trips by state leaders. While these clearances are typically required to ensure diplomatic coherence and national security, Mann's party argues that such denials could hinder Punjab's efforts to build global partnerships and attract investments. The AAP has called for a more transparent and consistent process, emphasizing the importance of fostering international relations at the state level. This incident has further strained the relationship between the Punjab government and the Centre, as Mann's administration seeks to assert its autonomy in foreign affairs. The AAP continues to press for reforms in the political clearance system, advocating for a framework that supports state-led initiatives to engage with the global community. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders across political lines are watching closely to see how this impacts future interactions between state governments and the central administration.

— Authored by Next24 Live