Article 240 – News Analysis India

Chandigarh Status Change Sparks Punjab Political Outrage

News Analysis India — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A significant political row has erupted in Punjab over the central government’s proposal to place Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This move, aimed at granting the President direct regulatory powers over the Union Territory, has ignited widespread concern among Punjab’s political parties. They view it as a potential alteration of Chandigarh’s administrative status and a challenge to Punjab’s long-standing claim over its capital.

The proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025, slated for introduction in the upcoming Winter Session, seeks to empower the President to legislate for Chandigarh. Currently, Chandigarh is administered by an administrator, who is also the Governor of Punjab, and serves as the joint capital for both Punjab and Haryana following the state’s reorganization in 1966.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the BJP government’s action, calling it a “conspiracy to snatch” Punjab’s capital. He asserted that Chandigarh has always been and will remain an integral part of Punjab, emphasizing that the state’s villages were sacrificed for its construction. Mann pledged to take all necessary steps to protect Punjab’s rights.

Echoing these sentiments, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal labeled the proposal an “attack on Punjab’s identity.” He stressed that Chandigarh rightfully belongs to Punjab, highlighting the state’s significant contributions to national security, agriculture, and water resources.

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described the move as “totally uncalled for” and warned of “serious repercussions,” stating that any attempt to alter Chandigarh’s status would face “unprecedented resistance.”

The Shiromani Akali Dal has also joined the opposition. Former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal vowed to contest the “anti-Punjab Bill,” denouncing it as a “blatant attack on the federal structure.” He declared Punjab’s right over Chandigarh as “non-negotiable.”

Chandigarh Bill Out of Winter Session: Centre Clarifies Status

News Analysis India — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Central Government has officially clarified that there will be no bill presented in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament concerning the administration of Chandigarh. While a proposal to streamline the law-making process for the Union Territory is under consideration, no final decision has been reached. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) emphasized that the plan does not intend to alter Chandigarh’s current governance structure or its long-standing administrative ties with Punjab and Haryana.

This clarification comes amid significant political debate and opposition from various leaders in Punjab. Earlier, a Parliament bulletin had indicated a potential move to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, which grants the President powers to frame regulations for Union Territories. This prospect sparked concerns about a potential shift in administrative control and a dilution of Punjab’s claims over its capital.

The MHA has assured that any future decisions regarding Chandigarh’s administration will be made only after thorough consultations with all relevant stakeholders, prioritizing the Union Territory’s best interests. The government stressed that there is no immediate cause for alarm and reiterated its commitment to transparent decision-making. The proposed constitutional amendment, if ever pursued, would have allowed the President to directly appoint an administrator, rather than the current arrangement where the Governor of Punjab holds this additional charge.

Centre’s Chandigarh Bill Sparks Outrage in Punjab

News Analysis India — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.