Centre Clarifies No Plan to Introduce Chandigarh Administration Bill in Winter Session

The Union Home Ministry has clarified that it has not taken any final call on changes to Chandigarh's governance structure and has no intention of placing any such Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The statement comes amid sharp political reactions in Punjab after a Parliament bulletin mentioned a proposed constitutional amendment.

Ministry Says Consultation Will Come First

In its clarification shared on X, the ministry said a proposal to simplify lawmaking for the Union Territory is under consideration, but it does not touch upon Chandigarh's administration or its long established ties with Punjab and Haryana. It added that any step forward will be taken only after discussing the matter with all stakeholders. The ministry also stated that no Bill linked to this proposal will be introduced in the Winter Session.

According to the earlier Parliament bulletin, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 was listed for introduction. It suggested placing Chandigarh under Article 240, which empowers the President to directly frame regulations for a Union Territory. At present, Chandigarh is overseen by the Punjab Governor and serves as the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana.

Punjab Parties Unite in Opposition

The mention of the amendment prompted a rare show of unanimity across political parties in Punjab, all of whom opposed the proposed change.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of attempting to undermine Punjab's claims over Chandigarh. He said, "Our villages were destroyed to build Chandigarh, and only Punjab has the right over it. We will not give up and take necessary steps."

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described the move as "totally uncalled for" and warned that "any attempt to snatch it away will have serious repercussions."

Akali Dal Calls It a Threat to Federal Structure

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the reported proposal an "anti Punjab Bill" and said it amounted to a "blatant attack on federal structure". He asserted, "Punjab's right over Chandigarh is non negotiable" and vowed to challenge the move at every forum.

Punjab BJP Also Voices Concerns

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also expressed his discomfort and assured that he would convey the state's sentiment to the Centre. He posted on X that Chandigarh is an "integral part of Punjab" and added, "As a Punjabi myself, I assure you that for us, Punjab always comes first."

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