Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Credit: PTI Photo
New Delhi: After a backlash over Modi government's intention to move a Bill on Chandigarh, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday said there is no such plan to present a draft legislation in the upcoming Winter Session seeking to alter the governance and administrative arrangements in the union territory.
The MHA said in a statement posted on ‘X that a proposal to simplify the central government’s law-making process for Chandigarh is “still under consideration” but “no final decision” has been taken.
A Parliament Bulletin on Friday said the government intends to move The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 in the upcoming session to include Chandigarh in Article 240 to align its administration with that of other union territories without legislatures as well as Puducherry when its Assembly is dissolved or suspended.
“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. A suitable decision will be taken only after adequate consultations with all stakeholders, keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh,” the MHA said.
“There is no need for any concern on this matter. The Central Government has no intention of introducing any Bill to this effect in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament," it added.
On Saturday, leaders from Punjab barring from the BJP came out against the proposed Bill claiming that it would dilute Punjab's claim hold over the union territory where its Governor doubles up as the Administrator since 1984.
Demand for control over Chandigarh is a contentious issue with Haryana too making a claim over it during bifurcation in 1966, prompting the government to keep it as capital to both the states.
Hours before the MHA statement, Punjab BJP leaders held a virtual meeting on Sunday morning to discuss the issue following which state president Sunil Jakhar said Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab, and the Punjab BJP stands firmly with the interests of the state whether it is the issue of Chandigarh or the waters of Punjab.
“Whatever confusion has arisen regarding Chandigarh will be resolved by discussing it with the government. As a Punjabi myself, I assure you that for us, Punjab always comes first,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said he has called an emergency meeting of his party's Core Committee on Monday to "plan and formulate a strong and decisive response" against the "anti-Punjab" Bill, which aims to demolish Punjab’s rightful claim over Chandigarh.
He posted on 'X' that the Bill was a "blatant attack on the federal structure" and would be fought on every front by Akali Dal to ensure that this move will not be allowed to succeed. "I reiterate: Punjab’s right over Chandigarh is non-negotiable," he added.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal said the union government's attempt to "strip Punjab of its rights over Chandigarh" through constitutional amendments is not part of any ordinary step but a direct assault on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights.
"This mindset of tearing apart the federal structure to snatch away Punjabis' rights is extremely dangerous. The Punjab that has always sacrificed for the country's security, grain, water, and humanity is today being deprived of its own rightful share. This is not merely an administrative decision but akin to wounding the soul of Punjab," he added.