Centre's plan to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 triggers fierce political backlash in Punjab
Chandigarh, Nov 23
A major political storm has erupted in Punjab after the Centre signalled its intent to bring Chandigarh under the purview of Article 240 of the Constitution, a move that would empower the President to directly frame regulations for the Union Territory.
At present, Chandigarh is administered by the Punjab Governor and serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
A Parliament bulletin has indicated that the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, is likely to be introduced during the Winter Session beginning December 1, setting off protests across the political spectrum in Punjab.
Parties including the AAP, Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal have sharply criticised the proposal, calling it "anti-Punjab".
They argue that placing Chandigarh under Article 240, which currently covers Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry, will undermine Punjab's long-standing claim over the city.
Chandigarh was created as a Union Territory in 1966 when Haryana was carved out of Punjab and has since functioned as a shared capital.
While the Governor of Punjab also serves as Chandigarh's administrator, political leaders in the state have consistently argued that Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and that Haryana should have a separate capital.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann denounced the Centre government's decision, claiming that the BJP-led Centre was "conspiring to snatch" Punjab's capital.
"Chandigarh was, is and will always remain an integral part of the state," he said, adding that villages had been sacrificed to build the city and that Punjab alone holds the rightful claim.
AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also attacked the move, calling it an "assault" on Punjab's identity.
He wrote that "history is the witness: Punjabis have never bowed to dictatorship" and insisted that Punjab, which has contributed immensely to the nation through "security, grains and water," was now being denied its rights.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described the development as "totally uncalled for" and warned that "any attempt to snatch it away will have serious repercussions."
He called on BJP leaders in the state to clarify their stand, stating that "whether you are with Punjab or against Punjab will be determined by the position you take today."
Akali Dal chief and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said the "anti-Punjab Bill" amounted to a "blatant attack on the federal structure" and vowed to fight it "on every front," adding that "Punjab's right over Chandigarh is non-negotiable."
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone from Chandigarh, I'm worried about what this means for our city's administration. The current system has worked fine for decades. Why fix what isn't broken?
While I understand Punjab's concerns, maybe central administration could bring more uniform development. Chandigarh is a Union Territory after all, not exclusively Punjab's property.
Punjab has sacrificed so much for this nation - from soldiers to farmers. Now they want to take away our capital? This is unacceptable! All Punjabis must stand united against this move. 💪
Interesting to see all political parties in Punjab coming together on this issue. When it comes to protecting Punjab's interests, they seem to be on the same page. Hope they maintain this unity!
The timing of this move is suspicious. Why now? Is this political vendetta against Punjab? We need answers, not just political statements from both sides.
Historical facts matter here. Chandigarh was built as compensation for losing Lahore during Partition. Punjab's emotional and historical connection to Chandigarh cannot be ignored. This move will only create more tension.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.