Bhagwant Mann was drunk and delayed flight, claims few parties, AAP disagrees

Digital Desk: An immense uproar has been caused by reports that Bhagwant Mann was kicked off a Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Delhi because he was intoxicated. According to opposition parties, the Punjab Chief Minister has "shamed Punjabis" around the world.

Bhagwant Mann was scheduled to board the already delayed 1.40 p.m. flight out of Frankfurt on Sunday. At 4.30 pm, the airplane eventually took off. Early on Monday, Mr. Mann apparently boarded a different airplane.

According to Mr. Mann's assistants, he put off going back to Delhi because of his health. The opposition has been charged with "spreading propaganda" by his party, AAP (Aam Aadmi Party).

According to a statement from Lufthansa that AAP shared, the airline's flight left later than expected due to a "delayed inbound flight and an aircraft change."

Accusations that Mr. Mann was intoxicated and to blame for the four-hour flight delay were pounced upon by opposition parties.

"Co-passengers were reportedly quoted in disturbing media stories claiming that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was helped from a Lufthansa flight because he could not walk. Furthermore, a 4-hour flight delay resulted. He didn't go to the national AAP convention. These reports have insulted and embarrassed Punjabis around the world "Leader of the Akali Dal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, tweeted.

"The shocking silence of the Punjab administration over these allegations involving their Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann calls for an explanation from Arvind Kejriwal. Due to the importance of Punjabi culture and national pride, the Indian government must intervene. The Indian government must discuss the situation with its German equivalent if he was deplaned "he added.

According to a news report that the Congress tweeted, the Chief Minister was intoxicated, according to a passenger on the Lufthansa flight from Frankfurt to Delhi.

The passenger was quoted as adding that Mr. Mann "was not steady on his feet as he had imbibed excessive booze and had to be supported by his wife and security people surrounding him."

AAP spokesperson Malwinder Singh Kang said: "As planned, the Chief Minister arrived on September 19. These reports on social media are all false. The opposition is alarmed by Mr. Mann's apparent investment from his international trip; verify with Lufthansa if you're unsure."

In a statement, the airline said: "Due to a delayed incoming flight and an aircraft change, our flight from Frankfurt to Delhi left more slowly than anticipated. Due to data protection concerns, we do not provide any information about specific travellers."

According to the state administration, Mr. Mann travelled to Germany from September 11 to September 18 to solicit partnerships and investments.

In March, the comedian-turned-politician was elected Chief Minister after AAP won handily in Punjab, defeating competitors including the BJP and Congress. At a public ceremony in 2019 with his mother at his side, Mr. Mann vowed to stop drinking. He has categorically denied ever going back on that promise.