Chandigarh, Nov 22: A proposed constitutional amendment seeking to alter how Chandigarh is governed has triggered sharp concerns in Punjab, with Rajya Sabha member Vikramjit Singh Sahney warning that the Union Government’s initiative could diminish Punjab’s rights over the Union Territory, which Haryana also claims.
The Centre has listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, for introduction in the winter session of Parliament. The legislation would empower the President to frame rules for Chandigarh, including appointing a Lieutenant Governor to administer the city, a power that until now has rested with the Punjab Governor. The Bill seeks to place Chandigarh under Article 240, similar to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry during times its Assembly stands dissolved.
Sahney said he was alarmed by what the Bill could mean for Punjab’s political and historical position. “With this law, Chandigarh may soon be put on the same footing as Lakshadweep and the other UTs, and an independent administrator could be appointed,” he said. He urged all members of Parliament from Punjab to urgently seek a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah to oppose the legislation.
The MP said Punjab’s claim was rooted in history, adding, “Chandigarh became the capital of Punjab after the Partition, when Lahore went to Pakistan. After the 1966 reorganisation, it was made the capital of both Punjab and Haryana.” Sahney noted that the Centre had promised on several occasions to transfer Chandigarh entirely to Punjab under various accords, and argued that the new law contradicts those assurances.
“This Bill dilutes our legitimate claim,” Sahney said. “I appeal to all Punjab MPs to raise this matter before the Home Minister immediately.”
The controversy surfaces shortly after the Centre withdrew a contentious notification relating to Panjab University’s governance. It also comes days after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann once again pressed the Centre at the Northern Zonal Council meeting to hand over Chandigarh to Punjab.
