The Union government is slated to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, during the Parliament's upcoming Winter Session, commencing December 1, 2025. This legislative proposal seeks to bring Chandigarh, the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, under Article 240 of the Constitution, a development that critics assert would alter its existing administrative framework.
The status of Chandigarh has remained a sensitive political issue since the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966. The announcement of the proposed amendment has prompted significant opposition from prominent political entities in Punjab.
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa voiced strong criticism, describing the bill as an encroachment on Punjab's historical claims and federal rights concerning Chandigarh. He underscored Chandigarh's establishment as Punjab's capital in 1966, noting the Punjab Governor's long-standing role as its Administrator.
Concurrently, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal appealed to the central government to withdraw the bill. Badal argued that the amendment would contradict previous commitments made to Punjab regarding Chandigarh's future, urging all Members of Parliament from Punjab to collectively oppose its passage.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/punjab/cong-aap-akalis-oppose-chandigarh-plan-of-central-govt/article70311775.ece