• Source:JND
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Chandigarh Row: The Union Government of India has issued a clarification over the proposed administrative change in the Union Territory of Chandigarh after stiff opposition from the Punjab ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and opposition.

As per the bulletin released by the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, the central government seeks to bring Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240 by introducing a bill in Parliament's winter session, starting December 1, 2025.

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Chandigarh Row: Home Ministry Clarifies Stance

The Union Home Minister, clarifying the status of the proposal, said that 'no final decision' has been taken and that the "decision will only be made after consultation with all stakeholders". Through an X post, the Ministry also said that it does not plan to bring the bill this winter session either. 

"A proposal to ease lawmaking for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is under the central government's consideration. No final decision has been made. This proposal does not contain anything about Chandigarh's administration or its traditional ties with Punjab or Haryana. Any decision will be taken only after consulting all stakeholders and with Chandigarh's interests in mind. The Centre does not plan to bring any Bill in this regard in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament," the Home Ministry has said in a clarification also shared on X.

Political Row Erupted After Parliament Bulletin

Earlier, a parliament bulletin, regarding the upcoming winter session starting December 1, 2025, mentioned that the Centre plans to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025. 

Reacting to the centre's plan, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann called the move a ‘conspiracy to snatch capital’ from the border state. "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 CM slammed the centre.

The BJP Punjab Chief, Sunil Jakhar, had also said that Chandigarh is an 'integral part of Punjab', contrary to the centre's stance to establish independent administration. 

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What Is Article 240

As per Article 240 of the Indian Constitution, the President of India holds the right to frame administrative regulations for the peace and good governance of Union Territories, (a) the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; (b) Lakshadweep (c) Dadra and Nagar Haveli; (d) Daman and Diu; and (e) Puducherry.

With the inclusion of Chandigarh under Article 240, the President will have the right to appoint the Lieutenant Governor to administer the Union Territory. Currently Punjab Governor serves an additional duty as the administrative head of Chandigarh.

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