Centre plans Chandigarh move under Article 240; Punjab parties oppose
What's the story
The central government plans to introduce a Constitution Amendment Bill in the upcoming Winter session of Parliament. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240, which empowers the President to make regulations for Union Territories (UTs). This move is similar to other UTs without legislatures like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry (when its Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended).
Political backlash
Bill's introduction sparks political controversy
The proposed bill has sparked a political row with parties like Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opposing it. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called it "a grave injustice" and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government of trying to take away Punjab's capital. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also opposed the move, saying "Chandigarh belongs to Punjab."
Betrayal accusation
SAD president accuses Centre of betrayal
SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal also slammed the bill, calling it a "betrayal" of promises made by the Centre to restore Chandigarh to Punjab. He said it was an "assault on the rights of Punjab" and against federalism. AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney stressed that Chandigarh's historical significance makes Punjab's claims valid, noting its status as Punjab's capital after partition.
Administration change
Chandigarh's administration under proposed bill
Currently, Chandigarh is administered by the Punjab governor after its reorganization in 1966. The chief secretary's post was changed to Adviser to the UT Administrator on June 1, 1984. In August 2016, the Centre had tried to bring back an independent administrator by appointing K J Alphons, but withdrew after opposition from various parties, including Congress and AAP.