Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his appeal to reduce foreign travel
May 16, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his appeal urging citizens to postpone foreign travel and conserve fuel amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. Speaking to reporters, Mann questioned why the Prime Minister himself continued overseas visits while asking citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and reduce spending. “Why doesn’t the PM work from home?” Mann remarked, referring to Modi’s ongoing multi-country foreign tour.
The Punjab chief minister also criticised the Centre over the recent ₹3 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices, the first increase in over four years. Mann said restrictions and conservation appeals were being imposed in India despite the conflict occurring elsewhere. He mocked the government’s global ambitions, saying India was supposed to become a “vishwaguru” but had instead become a “vishwachela.” Modi had earlier urged citizens to use public transport, metro services, electric vehicles, carpooling and work-from-home practices to reduce fuel consumption and save foreign exchange amid rising crude oil prices.
Mann also spoke about the upcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Punjab, scheduled to begin on June 15. He said the process should remain transparent and free from allegations of fake voting or deletion of genuine voters. Mann stated that the Aam Aadmi Party would closely monitor the revision process through booth-level agents and volunteers while remaining in touch with the Election Commission of India. He also expressed confidence that his party would perform strongly in the upcoming local body elections in Punjab.