The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) moved swiftly on Sunday to address a burgeoning political controversy, clarifying that a proposal to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution is merely under consideration and that no final decision has been taken.
Clarification Amid Political Row
The MHA's statement, issued via a post on the social media platform X, came hours after the state BJP held a core committee meeting where members unanimously resolved to protect Punjab's interests. This clarification was prompted by a significant political row that erupted a day earlier, following the appearance of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 in a Lok Sabha bulletin dated November 21. The bulletin listed it among 10 new Bills potentially introduced in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.
Seeking to allay fears, the MHA emphasized that the central government has no intention of introducing any Bill to alter Chandigarh's governance or administrative structure in the forthcoming parliamentary session.
Purpose and Scope of the Proposal
The ministry sought to underline that the proposal's sole intent is to simplify the Central Government's law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The proposal suggests aligning Chandigarh with other Union Territories without legislatures, such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.
Article 240 of the Constitution grants the President the power to make regulations for the "peace, progress and good government" of such UTs, particularly when their Legislative Assembly is dissolved or suspended. The MHA stressed that the proposal in no way seeks to change the traditional arrangements between Chandigarh and the states of Punjab or Haryana.
Political Reactions and Future Steps
Despite the MHA's assurances, the initial proposal triggered strong opposition from major political parties in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann strongly opposed the Bill, terming it a move "against the interests of Punjab."
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring described the proposed amendment as "quite worrying" and warned of serious fallout in the state if legislated. Similarly, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal stated his party "strongly opposes" the Bill, alleging it goes back on central government commitments regarding the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab.
In its definitive statement, the MHA assured that a suitable decision will be taken only after adequate consultations with all stakeholders, keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh. The ministry conclusively stated, "There is no need for any concern on this matter."
