A significant constitutional amendment proposal by the central government is set to ignite heated debate in the upcoming parliamentary winter session. The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the purview of Article 240 of the Constitution. This article grants the President the authority to enact regulations for the governance of Union Territories, a move that could lead to the appointment of an independent administrator for Chandigarh, reminiscent of its past administrative structure. The bill, slated for introduction on December 1, 2025, has already drawn sharp criticism from major political parties in Punjab, including the Congress, Akali Dal, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann vehemently condemned the proposal, calling it a ‘grave injustice’ and a ‘conspiracy to snatch’ Punjab’s capital. He asserted that Chandigarh is, was, and will always remain an integral part of Punjab, emphasizing the state’s sole right to its capital as the parent state. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring echoed these sentiments, labeling the move ‘totally uncalled for’ and warning of ‘serious repercussions’ if any attempt is made to separate Chandigarh from Punjab. He pledged the Congress’s strong opposition to the bill in Parliament and urged Chief Minister Mann to address the issue with the central government proactively. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal described the bill as a ‘betrayal’ of past commitments and an ‘assault on the rights of Punjab,’ aimed at permanently removing the UT from Punjab’s administrative and political control and ending its claim as the state’s capital. AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney highlighted the historical significance of Punjab’s claim to Chandigarh, explaining that it was designated as Punjab’s capital after Partition. He called for a united front of all Punjab lawmakers to meet with the Union Home Minister to address the matter.
