The Centre has clarified that no final decision has been taken on the proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 after strong political backlash from Punjab. The proposal, which was reportedly being considered to streamline the law-making process for the Union Territory, triggered widespread criticism across political parties in Punjab, with leaders from AAP, Congress, SAD, and even the state BJP expressing concerns that it could weaken Punjab’s historical claim to Chandigarh. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other leaders argued that Chandigarh has always been regarded as part of Punjab and that any move altering its administrative status would be unacceptable. In response to the growing uproar, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a clarification stating that the proposal is still under review and has not been finalized or introduced in Parliament. The issue remains highly sensitive due to Chandigarh’s unique role as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana and its deep emotional and historical significance for Punjab. For now, the government’s clarification suggests a pause, but the debate highlights ongoing tensions over federal authority, regional identity, and governance of Union Territories.
