New Delhi / Chandigarh: The Central Government is poised to introduce significant constitutional reform in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, beginning December 1, by tabling The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill seeks to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the scope of Article 240 of the Indian Constitution — a move that has triggered fierce political resistance in Punjab.
What the Proposal Entails
- Article 240 Powers: Under the bill, the President would be empowered to make regulations for Chandigarh’s governance, akin to other Union Territories without a legislative assembly. These presidential regulations would carry the same force as an Act of Parliament.
- Governance Change: The amendment is widely understood to lay the foundation for appointing a dedicated Administrator or Lieutenant Governor (L-G) for Chandigarh. Currently, the Governor of Punjab serves in a dual capacity, also overseeing Chandigarh.
- Consistency with Other UTs: The bill seeks to bring Chandigarh in line with other UTs governed under Article 240, such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry (when its Assembly is suspended).
Political Storm in Punjab
The proposal has provoked a strong backlash across Punjab’s political spectrum:
- AAP, Congress, and SAD Opposition: All three major parties have condemned the move. They argue that it undermines Punjab’s legitimate stake in Chandigarh, which remains the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana.
- Federalism Concerns: Critics charge the amendment as an “assault on Punjab’s rights” and a disregard for federal principles — especially given Chandigarh’s symbolic and administrative importance to the state.
- Historical Grievances Revisited: Several opposition leaders have revived memories of earlier agreements, including the 1970 decision to transfer Chandigarh to Punjab and the Rajiv–Longowal Accord, to stress that Punjab’s claim was never fully honored.
Strategic Implications
- Installing a full-time Administrator or L-G in Chandigarh could dilute Punjab’s influence in the UT’s administration, a prospect that alarms regional political leadership.
- The move is being interpreted by some as a politically motivated centralisation of authority, particularly amid broader debates over state rights and central oversight.
What to Watch in the Winter Session
- Whether the bill will withstand constitutional scrutiny, particularly around federalism and states’ rights.
- The response from Punjab’s political leaders, who are likely to challenge the amendment on both political and legal grounds.
- Potential judicial intervention or public protest, given the high stakes around Chandigarh’s status.
