Hoshiarpur/Chandigarh, Jan 28: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday affirmed the state’s historical and constitutional claim over Chandigarh, stating that the city belongs to Punjab and any attempts to diminish this right will be resisted.
Speaking at the state-level Republic Day function in Hoshiarpur, the Chief Minister noted that the state has been unfairly denied its own capital and a dedicated High Court since Independence.
The Chief Minister mentioned that despite the state’s role as the nation’s “Food Bowl and Sword Arm,” it continues to face administrative and legislative challenges regarding its natural resources and institutions. He noted that Punjab remains the only state without its own capital, a situation he described as an unlawful deprivation that the current government is working to rectify through all available legal channels.
“Chandigarh was, is and will always remain an integral part of Punjab,” the Chief Minister said during his address. He further noted that the absence of a separate High Court causes significant hardship for residents, as “Punjabis have to suffer a lot due to the huge pendency of cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court.”
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister provided an account of the government’s recent achievements, including the provision of over 63,000 government jobs and the successful launch of the Sadak Surakhiya Force, which has decreased road accident fatalities by 48 percent. He also announced that the 650th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji would be celebrated with grand state-level programmes starting this February.
The Chief Minister also touched upon security initiatives, mentioning that anti-drone technology along the international border has led to the seizure of 256 drones. He noted that the state’s war against drugs and organized crime remains a top priority, with a focus on rehabilitation and community involvement through village-level committees.
“Punjab has to fight every day to get its rights from the Centre,” Mann said, adding that the state government is also contesting changes to MGNREGA and the withholding of Rural Development Funds. He concluded by honoring freedom fighters and security personnel, emphasizing that the spirit of sacrifice is deeply ingrained in the state’s heritage.
