Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
A big political storm has arisen over the Centre’s proposal to change the governance structure of Chandigarh, to which the political parties of Punjab have reacted sharply. While the Parliament bulletin has listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 for the upcoming winter session beginning December 1, 2025, the Union Home Ministry has now clarified that “no final decision has been taken” and no such bill will be introduced without consultation with stakeholders.
What caused the controversy?
The controversy started when the Lok Sabha-Rajya Sabha bulletin said that the Center intends to bring the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, which will place Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This provision empowers the President to directly make rules for union territories without an assembly, such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Puducherry (when its assembly is suspended).
The change could pave the way for the appointment of an independent administrator for Chandigarh – breaking the long-standing practice of the Punjab Governor acting as the administrator of the UT.
How is the governance of Chandigarh today?
-
Since the reorganization of Punjab in 1966, Chandigarh has been a union territory and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
-
Till 1984, the UT had an independent Chief Secretary.
-
Since then, it has been administered by the Governor of Punjab, with a UT Advisor replacing the Chief Secretary.
-
A similar attempt to appoint an independent administrator in 2016 was withdrawn after opposition from Punjab leaders.
what is the center saying
Amid increasing criticism, the Home Ministry issued a clear statement:
-
“A proposal to make law making easier for UTs is under consideration.”
-
“No final decision has been taken.”
-
“This proposal will not affect the administrative system of Chandigarh or its relations with Punjab or Haryana.”
-
“No bill will be introduced in the upcoming winter session.”
Why is Punjab angry?
Various political parties – AAP, Congress and Akali Dal – have condemned the proposal, calling it an attempt to “take away” Chandigarh from Punjab.
Punjab’s political leadership has sharply criticized the Centre’s proposal, calling it an attack on the state’s historical claim on Chandigarh. AAP leader and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the central government was “conspiring to snatch” the Punjab capital. The Chief Minister said, “Our villages were destroyed to build Chandigarh and only Punjab has the right over it. We will not give up and will take necessary steps.”
Reiterating the same point, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Waring termed the proposal as “completely unnecessary”. “Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and any attempt to snatch it will have serious consequences,” he said. Former Deputy Chief Minister and Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the move, calling it an “anti-Punjab bill” and a “blatant attack on the federal structure” that would be opposed on “every front”. “Punjab’s rights over Chandigarh cannot be compromised,” he said.
AAP MP Vikramjit Sahni urged Punjab MPs to meet Home Minister Amit Shah, citing the “historical importance” of Chandigarh for Punjab.
Why does Chandigarh matter so much?
For Punjab, Chandigarh has remained a sensitive political and emotional issue since its formation.
For the Centre, the proposed amendment aligns Chandigarh with the administrative structure of other union territories without legislatures.