Amid escalating political tensions over the Centre’s reported move to bring Chandigarh under the President’s direct control.
The Union Home Ministry has issued a clarification stating that “no final decision” has been taken and that any step will follow consultations with all stakeholders. It also confirmed that no Bill on the issue will be introduced in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.
In a statement posted on X, the ministry said a proposal aimed at “easing lawmaking” for the Union Territory is under consideration, but insisted it does not alter Chandigarh’s administration or affect its traditional links with Punjab and Haryana. “Any decision will be taken only after consulting all stakeholders and keeping Chandigarh’s interests in mind,” it said.
The clarification follows a Parliament bulletin indicating that the Centre intended to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, during the Winter Session beginning December 1. The Bill proposed bringing Chandigarh under Article 240, which allows the President to frame regulations for certain Union Territories. At present, the Punjab Governor serves as Chandigarh’s administrator, as the city functions as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.
The reported move triggered strong opposition across the political spectrum in Punjab — including from the BJP.
Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of attempting to “snatch” Punjab’s capital, asserting that Chandigarh “belongs solely to Punjab”. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the proposal “totally uncalled for”, warning of “serious repercussions”. Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal described the plan as an “anti-Punjab Bill” and a “blatant attack on the federal structure”.
Even the Punjab BJP pushed back. State BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said Chandigarh is an “integral part of Punjab” and vowed to take up the matter with the Centre. “As a Punjabi, I assure you that Punjab’s interests come first,” he said.
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