Not Decided Yet, Says Centre After Its Move To Bring Chandigarh Under Article 240 Sparks Outrage

Chandigarh: A political firestorm has erupted as the central government has proposed bringing the Union Territory of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, a move that would grant the President regulatory powers over the city. Currently, Chandigarh is administered by the Governor of Punjab and serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. Following an outrage over the same, Home Ministry on Sunday stated that the proposal only to simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the Central Government.

“No final decision has been taken on this proposal. 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,” the ministry stated in an official release.

A parliamentary bulletin accessed by news agency noted that the government intends to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 during the Winter Session beginning December 1, which outlines proposals to bring Chandigarh under Article 240.

Article 240 currently empowers the President to issue regulations for certain Union Territories such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry, but Chandigarh is not among them.

Strong Reactions from Punjab Leaders

The proposal has triggered fierce resistance from political leaders in Punjab, who argue that the move undermines the state’s claim over Chandigarh and threatens Punjab’s rights.

Bhagwant Mann, Chief Minister of Punjab, strongly criticized the centre’s step, accusing it of attempting to “take away” Punjab’s capital. He asserted that Chandigarh was built on Punjabi land and would always remain part of the state, declaring that they would not allow what he described as a conspiracy against Punjab to succeed.

Arvind Kejriwal, national convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), called the move “an attack on Punjab’s identity”. He said that the centre’s decision shows a mentality of undermining the federal structure and depriving Punjabis of their rights, calling it dangerous and promising that Punjab will not bow.

In addition, Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Punjab Congress chief, warned that if the amendment is legislated, it would have serious consequences for the state, calling the proposal an “ill-advised misadventure” and vowing unprecedented resistance. Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal announced an emergency core-committee meeting and pledged to fight the move “on every front”, reiterating that Punjab’s right over Chandigarh is non-negotiable.

On the other side, Bharatiya Janata Party (Punjab unit) chief Sunil Jakhar responded to the criticism by insisting that Chandigarh is unquestionably a part of Punjab. He said there is confusion surrounding the union territory’s status, but assured people that the issue will be resolved soon through discussion with the government, reaffirming his commitment to Punjab’s interests.

What’s at stake

Chandigarh holds a unique status in India’s political map. Created as a Union Territory in 1966 after the reorganization of Punjab and Haryana, the city functions as the shared capital for both states and is administered by the Governor of Punjab. Over decades, Punjab leaders have maintained that Chandigarh “rightfully belongs” to the state and have often demanded Haryana be given its own separate capital. The proposed shift under Article 240 is being viewed as a direct threat to Punjab’s long-standing claim and political standing.

With the winter session of Parliament slated to begin on December 1, political temperature is rising in the region, with protests and opposition expected in the coming days.