Centre Backtracks Amid Uproar, Clarifies Chandigarh Governance Proposal is Only for ‘Law-Making Simplification’

Centre Backtracks Amid Uproar, Clarifies Chandigarh Governance Proposal is Only for ‘Law-Making Simplification’

Political parties across the spectrum accused the Centre of attempting to dilute Punjab’s long-standing claim over Chandigarh.

RMN News Political Desk
November 23, 2025

NEW DELHI, November 23, 2025 – The Union Home Ministry (MHA) issued a swift clarification today regarding a controversial proposal to potentially alter the legislative structure of the Union Territory of Chandigarh, emphasizing that the plan is only intended to simplify the central law-making process and is still under consideration.

The clarification, shared by the Ministry of Home Affairs via X (formerly Twitter) through @PIBHomeAffairs, was published amid escalating political uproar across Punjab.

No Decision Made, No Structural Change Planned

The Central Government stressed that no final decision has been taken on the proposal. According to the Ministry, the initiative is solely about “simplifying the process of law-making for the Union Territory by the Central Government”.

Crucially, the MHA sought to dispel fears that the move would impact the UT’s existing political arrangements: “The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarh’s governance or administrative structure, nor does it aim to change the traditional arrangements between Chandigarh and the States of Punjab or Haryana,” the statement read.

The MHA further assured that a suitable decision will be taken only after adequate consultations with all stakeholders, with the interests of Chandigarh kept in mind. The Centre explicitly stated that there is “no intention of introducing any Bill” to this effect in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.

Fierce Backlash Over Punjab’s Claim

The move to potentially simplify legislation for Chandigarh had previously triggered a storm of opposition across Punjab. Reports had suggested the Centre was considering bringing the Union Territory under Article 240 and allowing presidential regulation, potentially aligning it with other UTs without legislatures, such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Political parties across the spectrum accused the Centre of attempting to dilute Punjab’s long-standing claim over Chandigarh.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the proposal a “grave injustice,” accusing the BJP-led NDA government of “conspiring to snatch” Punjab’s capital. Mann asserted that Chandigarh “was, is and will always remain” part of Punjab. AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal slammed the move, arguing it “tears apart the federal structure” and hurts the state.

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring termed the move “totally uncalled-for” and warned that any attempt to “take away” Chandigarh would have “serious repercussions”.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal described the legislation as an “assault on the rights of Punjab” and a betrayal of prior commitments made by the Centre to transfer Chandigarh to Punjab. Badal noted that the Union government had agreed in principle to the transfer in 1970, with the Rajiv–Longowal Accord later setting a January 1986 deadline that was never implemented.

Punjab BJP Aligns with State Interests

Significantly, the political opposition transcended party lines, with Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar aligning with the criticism. Jakhar posted on X, asserting that the Union Territory “is an integral part of Punjab”.

Jakhar emphasized that the Punjab BJP “stands firmly with the interests of the state, whether it is the issue of Chandigarh or the waters of Punjab,” and assured stakeholders that confusion would be resolved through discussions with the government.

Currently, Chandigarh is administered by the Punjab governor, a system that has been in place since June 1, 1984. Punjab’s political leadership across parties remains unified in its belief that Chandigarh is the rightful capital of Punjab.