Government lists Bill that could pave way for L-G to administer Chandigarh

In a move that could have vast consequences for Punjab's claim and association with Chandigarh, the capital city, the Union Government has listed for introduction in the upcoming winter session of Parliament a Bill to appoint a Lieutenant Governor to administer the UT.

The Constitution (131 Amendment) Bill 2025 listed in the Bulletin on the Rajya Sabha website seeks to include the Union Territory of Chandigarh in Article 240 of the Constitution of India, in alignment with other Union Territories without legislatures—namely, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry (when its Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended).

Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab Vikramjit Singh Sahney was the first politician from the state to red flag the Bill on Saturday.

Sahney urged all MPs from Punjab, cutting across party lines, to immediately call upon Union Home Minister Amit Shah to agitate against the piloting of the Bill that proposes to dilute Punjab's claim over the capital, which Haryana also claims.

“Chandigarh is currently administered by the Punjab Governor, and with the new law, it is likely to be administered by an independent administrator. With the new law, it would have similar administration rules such as Lakshadweep and others, and could have an independent administrator.

“Punjab's claims on Chandigarh have historical significance. Chandigarh was made capital of Punjab after the Partition as Lahore went to Pakistan,” Sahney said.

He said after the 1966 Punjab Reorganisation, Chandigarh was made capital of Punjab and Haryana.

“Then under multiple accords the Centre promised to make Chandigarh the capital of Punjab. I request all MPs from Punjab to immediately call upon the Home Minister to discuss the issue,” Sahney said.

The development comes barely days after the government withdrew a controversial notification that sought to change the governance structure of Panjab University, an inter-state body corporate.

It also follows a meeting of the Northern Zonal Council where Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a case for transfer of Chandigarh to the state.