Amid a political row over the proposed Bill to appoint Lieutenant Governor to Chandigarh, Union Home Ministry issued a clarification saying that "no final decision" has been taken and "the proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarh's governance or administrative arrangements".
In a post on X, Ministry of Home Affairs stated, "The proposal to simplify the process of law-making exclusively by the Central Government for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is currently under consideration at the level of the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal. This proposal does not in any way involve altering the governance and administrative arrangements of Chandigarh or the traditional relations of Chandigarh with Punjab or Haryana. An appropriate decision will be taken only after adequate consultation with all stakeholders, keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh. There is no need for concern on this matter."
"The Central Government has no intention of presenting any bill to this effect in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament," the Home Ministry further added.
What is the proposed Bill?
The Centre has proposed to introduce The Constitution (131 Amendment) Bill 2025, as per a bulletin of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The Bill seeks to include Chandigarh in Article 240 of the Constitution of India, in alignment with other UTs without legislatures such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry (when its Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended).
This could result in UT of Chandigarh having an independent administrator. Currently Punjab Governor also holds the additional charge as the Administrator of UT of Chandigarh.
Earlier, a Parliament bulletin said the Centre plans to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 in the upcoming Winter Session starting December 1.
Strong pushback
The proposal triggered a strong pushback from all major political parties in Punjab, including the BJP.
AAP leader and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the central government was "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 said.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the move "totally uncalled for". "Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and any attempt to snatch it away will have serious repercussions," he said. Former Deputy Chief Minister and Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said the "anti-Punjab Bill" and "blatant attack on federal structure" will be fought on "every front". "Punjab's right over Chandigarh is non-negotiable," he said.
State BJP chief also took a stand for Chandigarh and said that it is an "integral part of Punjab".
"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. As a Punjabi myself, I assure you that for us, Punjab always comes first," the veteran politician said on X.
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