• Source:JND
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Chandigarh Control Row: A political storm has been triggered over the centre’s plan to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming winter session of Parliament to frame regulations for Chandigarh, a move that will dramatically alter the administrative status of the Union Territory and significantly weaken Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh as the Capital of the state.

The Union government of India has proposed to include Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240 and allow the appointment of a Lieutenant Governor to administer the Union Territory.

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As per the bulletin of the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha, the winter session will begin from December 1, 2025, and the bill will be introduced during the session. The move has stirred stiff opposition from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition in the Punjab Congress, describing the step as the BJP’s attempt to weaken Punjab’s rightful claim over Chandigarh, which it shares as joint capital with Haryana.

‘Conspiracy To Snatch Capital’: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann

Reacting to the BJP ruling centre’s plan to establish an independent administration in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant, termed 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.

 

‘Attack On Punjab’s Identity’: Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief, called the move an attack on Punjab’s identity, stating, "History is the witness: Punjabis have never bowed to dictatorship. It won't do so today either. Chandigarh belongs to Punjab, and it will remain so.” He added, “Punjab, which has always sacrificed for the country's security, grains and water, is being deprived of its right.”

Chandigarh Row: Opposition Echos Objection

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has called the move "totally uncalled for". "Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and any attempt to snatch it away will have serious repercussions," he said. He also demanded state BJP leader clarify their stand, "Whether you are with Punjab or against Punjab will be determined by the position you take today.”

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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Punjab Comes First: State BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar

In contrast to the centre's stance over Chandigarh, Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar clarified that he stands with Punjab and Chandigarh is an 'integral part of Punjab'. Jakhar assured that the "confusion" will be resolved after talks with 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," he wrote on X. 

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