Amid growing political controversy in Punjab over the Central government's proposal to place Chandigarh directly under the President's control, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has declared that Chandigarh is an “integral part of Punjab” and given assurance that the prevailing “confusion” will be cleared through dialogue with the Centre. Jakhar’s unambiguous stance, articulated through a post on X, stands in contrast to the position adopted by his own party’s government at the Centre.
“Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab, and the Punjab BJP stands firmly with the interests of the state, whether it is the issue of Chandigarh or the waters of Punjab. Whatever confusion has arisen regarding Chandigarh will be resolved by discussing it with the government. As a Punjabi myself, I assure you that for us, Punjab always comes first,” the seasoned leader, who previously served as Punjab Congress president, wrote on X.
The development comes in the wake of the Centre’s reported intention to bring Chandigarh within the ambit of Article 240 of the Constitution, a step that would authorise the President to frame regulations for the Union Territory directly. At present, the Governor of Punjab serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh, which functions as the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
A Parliament bulletin has revealed that the government intends to table the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 during the forthcoming Winter Session of Parliament, commencing on December 1.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly condemned the move, alleging that the Centre is “conspiring to snatch” Punjab’s capital. “Our villages were destroyed to build Chandigarh, and only Punjab has the right over it. We will not give up and take necessary steps,” the Chief Minister declared.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described the proposal as “totally uncalled for”. “Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and any attempt to snatch it away will have serious repercussions,” he stated. The Ludhiana MP urged BJP leaders in Punjab to spell out their stance clearly, saying, “Whether you are with Punjab or against Punjab will be determined by the position you take today.”
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Former Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal termed it an “anti-Punjab Bill” and a “blatant attack on federal structure”, vowing that the move would be resisted on “every front”. “Punjab’s right over Chandigarh is non-negotiable,” he asserted.
Article 240 of the Constitution, which the Centre seeks to amend, presently empowers the President to make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of the Union Territories of (a) the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; (b) Lakshadweep; (c) Dadra and Nagar Haveli; (d) Daman and Diu; and (e) Puducherry. The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to include Chandigarh in this list.
Chandigarh was established as a Union Territory following the bifurcation of Punjab and the creation of Haryana in 1966. The Governor of Punjab currently holds the position of Administrator of Chandigarh. Political leaders in Punjab have consistently maintained that Chandigarh rightfully belongs to the state and have repeatedly called for a separate capital to be built for Haryana.
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