Punjab vs Centre: Why Chandigarh Has Triggered a Major Political Flashpoint
A major political storm has erupted in Punjab after the central government proposed bringing the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240 of the Constitution. The move, part of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, would empower the President to directly enact regulations for Chandigarh and potentially appoint an independent administrator. The Bill is scheduled to be introduced in the Winter Session of Parliament starting December 1.
Why the Centre Wants the Change
According to Parliament bulletins, the proposal aims to align Chandigarh’s administrative model with other UTs without legislatures, such as Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Puducherry (during periods when its Assembly is suspended or dissolved). Article 240 gives the President the power to issue regulations equivalent to parliamentary laws.
Massive Political Backlash in Punjab
The move has triggered sharp criticism across Punjab’s political spectrum. Leaders from AAP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal have called it an attempt to undermine Punjab’s historical claim over Chandigarh and dilute its rights as the parent state.
Bhagwant Mann Calls It a ‘Grave Injustice’
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann slammed the Centre, calling the decision a “grave injustice.” He accused the NDA government of “conspiring to snatch” Punjab’s capital and said the state would fight the move at all levels.
Kejriwal: ‘Chandigarh Was, Is and Will Remain with Punjab’
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal also came down strongly on the Bill, stating that the proposal “tears apart the federal structure” and undermines Punjab’s identity. He said Punjab has “always sacrificed” for national and food security and asserted that “Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and will remain with Punjab.”
Congress Warns of Serious Repercussions
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the proposal “totally uncalled-for” and warned that any attempt to “take away” Chandigarh would have “serious repercussions.” He said the party would strongly oppose the Bill in Parliament and rally like-minded parties to block it. Warring also sought clarity from BJP leaders in Punjab and urged Mann to take up the issue with the Centre urgently.
Akali Dal Terms Move a Betrayal
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the Bill an “assault on the rights of Punjab.” He reminded that the Centre had agreed to transfer Chandigarh to Punjab in 1970, and the Rajiv Longowal Accord had even set January 1986 as the deadline something never implemented. Badal warned that the proposed amendment aims to permanently take Chandigarh out of Punjab’s control and called an emergency Core Committee meeting to plan resistance.
Opposition from Overseas Groups
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) also criticised the proposal, calling it “legally questionable” and “deeply insensitive” to Punjab’s history and rights. Executive director Satnam Singh Chahal said the move undermines long-standing constitutional claims over the city.
Chandigarh’s Unique Administrative Setup
Since June 1, 1984, Chandigarh has been administered by the Punjab governor. Before that, the city had an independent chief secretary acting as its administrator. In 2016, the Centre attempted to revive that system by appointing former IAS officer K.J. Alphons, but withdrew the decision following stiff political opposition in Punjab.
Punjab Unites to Block the Amendment
With AAP, Congress, SAD and even overseas Punjabi groups opposing the proposal, leaders across party lines have declared they will not allow the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to move forward. The shared message is clear: Chandigarh is Punjab’s rightful capital, and the fight to protect it has just begun.
Why the Centre Wants the Change
According to Parliament bulletins, the proposal aims to align Chandigarh’s administrative model with other UTs without legislatures, such as Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Puducherry (during periods when its Assembly is suspended or dissolved). Article 240 gives the President the power to issue regulations equivalent to parliamentary laws. Massive Political Backlash in Punjab
The move has triggered sharp criticism across Punjab’s political spectrum. Leaders from AAP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal have called it an attempt to undermine Punjab’s historical claim over Chandigarh and dilute its rights as the parent state. Bhagwant Mann Calls It a ‘Grave Injustice’
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann slammed the Centre, calling the decision a “grave injustice.” He accused the NDA government of “conspiring to snatch” Punjab’s capital and said the state would fight the move at all levels.
Kejriwal: ‘Chandigarh Was, Is and Will Remain with Punjab’
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal also came down strongly on the Bill, stating that the proposal “tears apart the federal structure” and undermines Punjab’s identity. He said Punjab has “always sacrificed” for national and food security and asserted that “Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and will remain with Punjab.”Congress Warns of Serious Repercussions
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the proposal “totally uncalled-for” and warned that any attempt to “take away” Chandigarh would have “serious repercussions.” He said the party would strongly oppose the Bill in Parliament and rally like-minded parties to block it. Warring also sought clarity from BJP leaders in Punjab and urged Mann to take up the issue with the Centre urgently. Akali Dal Terms Move a Betrayal
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the Bill an “assault on the rights of Punjab.” He reminded that the Centre had agreed to transfer Chandigarh to Punjab in 1970, and the Rajiv Longowal Accord had even set January 1986 as the deadline something never implemented. Badal warned that the proposed amendment aims to permanently take Chandigarh out of Punjab’s control and called an emergency Core Committee meeting to plan resistance. Opposition from Overseas Groups
The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) also criticised the proposal, calling it “legally questionable” and “deeply insensitive” to Punjab’s history and rights. Executive director Satnam Singh Chahal said the move undermines long-standing constitutional claims over the city. Chandigarh’s Unique Administrative Setup
Since June 1, 1984, Chandigarh has been administered by the Punjab governor. Before that, the city had an independent chief secretary acting as its administrator. In 2016, the Centre attempted to revive that system by appointing former IAS officer K.J. Alphons, but withdrew the decision following stiff political opposition in Punjab.Punjab Unites to Block the Amendment
With AAP, Congress, SAD and even overseas Punjabi groups opposing the proposal, leaders across party lines have declared they will not allow the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill to move forward. The shared message is clear: Chandigarh is Punjab’s rightful capital, and the fight to protect it has just begun. Next Story