Cong moves resolution for new Haryana Assembly building in capitol complex

With the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly declining Haryana’s request for 10 acres of land for constructing a separate legislative Assembly building in Chandigarh, the principal Opposition Congress has moved a “substantive motion” seeking the construction of a new Vidhan Sabha building within the premises of the Capitol Complex.

The motion has been moved by senior Congress MLAs — BB Batra, Aftab Ahmed and Geeta Bhukkal — under Rule 78 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Haryana Legislative Assembly.

Citing provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the Congress pointed out that Section 3 provides for the formation of Haryana, Section 4 for the creation of Chandigarh as a Union Territory, and Section 5 for the transfer of certain territories from Punjab to Himachal Pradesh. Chandigarh was declared the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

As per the Act, occupation of the Civil Secretariat and Vidhan Sabha buildings was to be shared between Punjab and Haryana in the ratio of 60:40. However, Congress leaders alleged that in the Vidhan Sabha building, the Punjab Government currently occupies 73 per cent of the space, while Haryana has been allotted only 27 per cent.

“The Punjab Government has failed to provide the due 40% share to Haryana even after the formation of the state. During Assembly sessions, adequate space and separate rooms are provided for Punjab Ministers, whereas in Haryana, only the Chief Minister has an independent chamber and there is no sufficient space for other Ministers, chairpersons of the Vidhan Sabha Committees, and the ministerial staff of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha,” said Batra.

Earlier, the Haryana Government had submitted a proposal for constructing a new Vidhan Sabha building on 10 acres near the IT Park at Kala Gram, Manimajra, along the road from Railway Light Point to IT Park. The proposal has reportedly been turned down by the MHA.

“It is inequitable and unjust that Haryana, as a co-sharer of the joint capital Chandigarh, continues to face acute shortage of space and facilities in the existing Vidhan Sabha building,” Batra added.

The Congress also flagged the likely increase in the strength of the Haryana Legislative Assembly following the proposed delimitation exercise in 2026. The number of Assembly seats is expected to rise to around 126 from the present 90, while Lok Sabha seats from the state may increase to about 14 from 10. The existing Assembly Hall, the party argued, lacks the capacity to accommodate the enhanced strength.

The resolution moved by the party states: “That this House recommends that a new Vidhan Sabha building for the state of Haryana be constructed within the premises of the Capitol Complex, Sector-1, Chandigarh, adjacent to the existing Vidhan Sabha building, and strongly urges the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India to accord immediate approval and all necessary permissions for the same without any further delay.”

If Speaker Harvinder Kalyan admits the motion, it will be taken up for discussion in the House.