New Delhi: A major political row has erupted in Punjab after the Centre proposed to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution through the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025, a move that may allow the appointment of an independent administrator for Chandigarh instead of the Punjab Governor, who currently holds the position.

The Bill is expected to be tabled in the Winter Session of Parliament from December 1, 2025, according to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha bulletins. It seeks to align Chandigarh with other Union Territories without legislatures, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry (when its Assembly is dissolved).

The proposal has triggered fierce backlash from Punjab’s political parties, who have termed it an attempt to undermine Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh.

What is Article 240 and why is it significant?

Under Article 240, the President has the power to make regulations for certain Union Territories for their peace, progress and good governance. Such regulations hold the same power as laws passed by Parliament.

If Chandigarh is included under Article 240, the Centre can directly legislate for the Union Territory, paving the way for an independent administrator, removing it from Punjab’s administrative control.

Chandigarh has remained a shared capital of Punjab and Haryana since Punjab’s reorganisation in 1966. Political leaders have repeatedly asserted that Chandigarh belongs historically and legally to Punjab, and that Haryana should build a separate capital.

CM Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the move, saying, "It is a grave injustice that the BJP government is conspiring to snatch Punjab's capital." He added, "Chandigarh was, is and will always remain an integral part of the state."

Mann said Punjab had sacrificed land and resources to build the city, stressing that Punjab alone has the rightful claim.

Congress, AAP and Akali Dal unite in opposition

Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said, "Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and any attempt to snatch it away will have serious repercussions."

He warned that the Congress will "strongly oppose the legislation in Parliament" and will take up the issue with allies.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal called the Bill, "a betrayal of the commitments given by the Centre" and "an assault on the rights of Punjab."

AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney said, "Punjab’s claims on Chandigarh have historical significance."

He demanded that all MPs must meet the Home Minister Amit Shah immediately.

AAP leader and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also attacked the Centre, calling the move, "an assault on Punjab's identity." He wrote that, "History is the witness: Punjabis have never bowed to dictatorship."

Background & political context

Since June 1, 1984, Chandigarh has been administered by the Punjab Governor, with the Chief Secretary redesignated as Adviser.

In 2016, the Centre attempted to reinstate the old system by appointing former IAS officer K J Alphons as the independent administrator, but the plan was withdrawn after protests.

Punjab has been demanding the transfer of Chandigarh under multiple accords, including during recent Northern Zonal Council meetings.