Punjab politicians raised alarms calling it an attempt to snatch Punjab’s capital and interfere in the region’s traditional governance. The Centre quickly stepped in, saying the Bill won’t be tabled and the proposal is still “under consideration.”
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Chandigarh is back in the news but this time, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is stepping in to calm the storm. On Sunday, the MHA made it clear that the Central government has no plans to bring any bill concerning Chandigarh’s administration in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, which begins on December 1, 2025.
The clarification comes after a flurry of political reactions last week, when a Parliament bulletin listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025. The proposed Bill would have brought Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution giving the President powers to directly regulate the Union Territory.
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The proposal only to simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal. The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarh’s…
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— PIB – Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 23, 2025
But before the ink could even dry, Punjab politicians raised alarms calling it an attempt to snatch Punjab’s capital and interfere in the region’s traditional governance. The Centre quickly stepped in, saying the Bill won’t be tabled and the proposal is still “under consideration.”
For those not familiar with constitutional clauses, Article 240 allows the President of India to make administrative regulations for Union Territories like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.
If Chandigarh had been under Article 240, the President would have had the authority to appoint a Lieutenant Governor as the administrative head. Currently, the Governor of Punjab holds additional charge of Chandigarh maintaining a delicate balance in the city’s governance.
The MHA emphasised that the proposal never meant to change Chandigarh’s governance or its relationship with Punjab and Haryana. “An appropriate decision will be taken only after adequate consultation with all stakeholders, keeping Chandigarh’s interests in mind. There is no need for concern on this matter,” the Ministry said.
In simple terms: Chandigarh’s day-to-day administration and its ties with the neighbouring states remain untouched, at least for now.
Even though the Bill has shelved for now, Punjab politicians wasted no time voicing their concerns. AAP Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the proposal a conspiracy to “snatch Punjab’s capital.”
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described the move as “totally uncalled for,” while Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal labeled it an “anti-Punjab Bill” and a “blatant attack on the federal structure.”
Even BJP leaders in Punjab joined the chorus. State BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said Chandigarh is an “integral part of Punjab” and promised that the state’s interests would remain protected.
For now, residents of the city can breathe easy. Chandigarh will continue as it is, with its unique administrative setup and its special role as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, at least until the Centre and states reach a consensus on any future changes.
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