"Capital Snatch Conspiracy": Punjab Pushback To Centre's Chandigarh Move

Chandigarh, November 23, 2025 – A significant political controversy has erupted in Punjab following the Union Government's proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This move, perceived as a direct challenge to Punjab's historical and administrative ties to the Union Territory, has triggered strong opposition from across the state's political spectrum.

The central government plans to introduce The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming winter session of Parliament, which begins on December 1 and ends on December 19. The bill aims to place Chandigarh under Article 240, a constitutional provision that empowers the President to frame regulations for Union Territories without legislatures. These include the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry when its Assembly is dissolved or suspended. If enacted, the amendment would empower the President to frame regulations for Chandigarh and is widely seen as paving the way for the appointment of a lieutenant governor to administer the city. This would mark a significant shift from the current arrangement, under which the Punjab governor serves as Chandigarh's administrator.

The proposed amendment has been met with fierce resistance from Punjab's political parties, who view it as an attempt to undermine the state's long-standing claim over Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. Critics argue that the move ignores Punjab's historical, political, and emotional connection to the city. They fear that it will dilute Punjab's influence and control over the Union Territory, potentially jeopardizing its future status as the state's capital.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly opposed the proposal, calling it a "direct attack on Punjab's interests" and a "deliberate conspiracy" by the Centre. He asserted that Chandigarh was, is, and will always remain an integral part of the state, emphasizing Punjab's sole right over its capital. Mann termed the amendment a "grave injustice" and a continuation of the Centre's alleged attempts to undermine Punjab.

Echoing similar sentiments, Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa have denounced the move, calling it an assault on Punjab's rights. They have urged unity across party lines to oppose the amendment and protect the state's interests. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal described the proposed amendment as a "betrayal and discrimination against brave Punjabis". He cautioned that the Bill seeks to permanently remove Chandigarh from Punjab's political and administrative domain, undermining federalism and Punjab's constitutional and historical rights.

Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney was among the first to raise concerns against this move. He urged all Punjab MPs, irrespective of party affiliation, to call upon Union Home Minister Amit Shah to oppose the Bill. Sahney emphasized the historical significance of Punjab's claims on Chandigarh, recalling that it was made Punjab's capital after Partition when Lahore became part of Pakistan.

The controversy has resurfaced weeks after the Centre faced strong backlash for attempting to dismantle Panjab University's Senate and Syndicate system — a proposal later put on hold following student protests and statewide criticism. These actions have fueled concerns about the erosion of Punjab's autonomy and control over its institutions and territories.

Opponents of the bill argue that Article 240, primarily designed for Union Territories with unique administrative requirements, may not be appropriate for Chandigarh, a city with a well-established political and constitutional link to Punjab. They fear that governance by presidential regulations under this provision could diminish democratic accountability and dilute Punjab's role in decision-making that directly affects Chandigarh's residents and infrastructure.

As the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, is set to be tabled in Parliament, the political climate in Punjab remains charged. The state's leaders have vowed to resist any attempts to undermine its historical and administrative ties to Chandigarh, raising the specter of a protracted battle between the state and the Centre.