He added, "I could not go for Rahul Gandhi's rally as a 'no flying zone' was declared in view of the PM's visit. My four hours were wasted. I was not given clearance. I had permission to fly at 11 and land at Hoshiarpur but it was rejected. People understand the motives, the politics that are being played out."

Later in the day, Channi's chopper was grounded yet again at Sujanpur, from where he had to leave for Jalandhar. Channi said, "We already had the permission, but were not allowed to take off. I had come and sat in the helicopter. Later, a go-ahead was received to leave for Sujanpur by the chopper but not for Jalandhar. They said I could not leave before 6pm. I had to leave by road."

Former PCC chief Sunil Jakhar alleged that it was sheer injustice to an elected CM, who was being denied his right to campaign.

Appealing to the EC to take note of Channi not being allowed to use airspace, he told his audience at the Hoshiarpur rally, "Today, Channi was also to come here. It's a shame that the Centre cancelled the permission."

(With inputs from agencies)