Article 240 for Chandigarh: Why Punjab Political Parties Are Protesting

The Union government has clarified that it is still reviewing the proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, adding that no Bill will be introduced in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The clarification came after strong political backlash in Punjab over a bulletin that listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, for possible introduction on December 1.

What the Proposed Amendment Seeks

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to include Chandigarh among the Union Territories governed under Article 240. This Article empowers the President of India to make regulations for certain Union Territories.

Currently, Chandigarh is a Union Territory but functions uniquely as the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana. Since 1984, the Governor of Punjab has also served as the city's Administrator. If brought under Article 240, Chandigarh may be administered by an independent Administrator or Lieutenant Governor, aligning it with territories like:

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands
• Lakshadweep
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli
• Daman and Diu
• Puducherry

This potential administrative shift is at the heart of the political storm.

Political Reactions: 'Punjab's Capital Cannot Be Taken Away'

Punjab political parties reacted sharply to the proposal.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of attempting to "snatch" Punjab's capital. Calling it a conspiracy, he said:"Chandigarh, built by razing Punjab's villages, belongs solely to Punjab. We will not let our rights slip away."

Congress state chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also warned of "serious consequences" if Chandigarh's status changed. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal criticised the move as an attempt to weaken Punjab's long-standing claim to Chandigarh.

The opposition was so strong that even the Punjab unit of the BJP expressed unease. State BJP chief Sunil Jakhar reportedly reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and conveyed concerns. The Ministry's subsequent clarification helped ease tensions within the state BJP.

What Could Change for Chandigarh?

If the amendment is implemented, the following changes are likely:

1. Independent Administrator / Lieutenant Governor

Chandigarh may no longer be overseen by the Punjab Governor. Instead, it could get a separate Administrator directly appointed by the President.

2. President's Rule of Regulation

Article 240 enables the President to frame regulations for the UT. These would carry the force of law and could override certain state-linked administrative controls.

3. Less Influence for Punjab

Punjab's political parties fear the move would dilute their say in Chandigarh's governance, breaking a historical administrative link.

4. Alignment With Other UTs

Chandigarh would resemble other centrally administered UTs with greater direct oversight from the Centre.

Why the Proposal Triggered Tensions

The debate over Chandigarh's status is deeply rooted in Punjab's political identity. Since the 1966 reorganisation of Punjab, the state has consistently asserted that Chandigarh rightfully belongs to it.

This controversy also comes at a time of strained relations between the AAP-led Punjab government and the Centre on issues such as:

Panjab University's autonomy

Deployment of Central security forces at BBMB projects

Allocation of flood relief

With Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections approaching, the proposed amendment has added new friction to Centre-state dynamics.

For now, the Centre has put the brakes on the proposal, but the political debate surrounding Chandigarh's administrative future is far from over. Any attempt to alter its governance structure is likely to provoke intense resistance from Punjab's political leadership, given the city's symbolic and historical significance.