Chandigarh Administration Change Proposed, Punjab Parties Unite in Opposition

The central government’s plan to introduce a constitutional amendment bill that could significantly alter the administration of Chandigarh has provoked a strong backlash from Punjab’s political factions. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025, slated for the upcoming winter parliamentary session, proposes to place Chandigarh under Article 240, empowering the President to legislate for the Union Territory and potentially appoint an independent administrator. This move has been vehemently denounced by the Congress, Akali Dal, and AAP. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the proposal as a ‘grave injustice’ and a ‘conspiracy’ aimed at seizing Punjab’s capital, firmly stating that Chandigarh will always remain an intrinsic part of Punjab. He emphasized Punjab’s exclusive right to its capital. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the move ‘totally uncalled for’ and warned of severe consequences for any attempt to take Chandigarh away from Punjab, asserting its belonging to the state. He committed to parliamentary opposition and urged the state’s BJP leaders to clarify their position. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal declared the bill a ‘betrayal’ of commitments to Punjab and an ‘assault on federalism,’ intended to sever Punjab’s administrative and political ties to Chandigarh and its capital claim. AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney underscored the historical significance of Chandigarh as Punjab’s capital post-Partition and called for a unified appeal from all Punjab MPs to the Union Home Minister.