Former Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu made an unexpected visit to the headquarters of the Punjab government’s civil aviation department in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

During his visit, he purportedly sought detailed information regarding the public expenditure incurred on Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s helicopter rides and air travel.

Sidhu expressed concerns that despite Chief Minister Mann’s claims of leading a simple lifestyle, there were frequent reports of the CM using helicopters and aeroplanes for political campaigning, allegedly funded by public money.

Also Read: Lookout notice issued against BJP’s Manpreet Badal in Bathinda property case

Speaking to the media gathered at the civil aviation office, Sidhu voiced his dissatisfaction with the department’s refusal to disclose the expenses related to CM Mann’s air travel. He remarked, “If a four-time MP is denied access to such information, then what would happen to the public?”

Sidhu said that Mann had broken his promise to eradicate various criminal mafias after becoming the CM.

Sidhu specifically highlighted the continued activities of the sand mafia and cable mafia, questioning why the CM had not taken action against them. He added, “He should tell me what happened to the mafias whom he was claiming to eliminate.”

Also Read: Punjab Finance Minister hits back at Governor: Raised Rs 47k cr in loans, paid Rs 27k cr as interest on previous govt’s debts

Sidhu also stated that the mafias could not operate without the tacit involvement of the Chief Minister. Additionally, he criticised the ruling administration for its perceived failure to boost government revenues.

Regarding the issue of the Centre not paying Punjab’s share of the Rural Development Fund (RDF), Sidhu challenged Chief Minister Mann to confront this issue head-on instead of surrendering to the Union government’s demands.