131st Amendment Bill to Dilute Punjab’s Control of Chandigarh: Congress Seeks Constitutional Safeguards. Pargat Singh

Chandigarh, November 22, 2025: Pargat Singh, MLA says that the introduction of the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in Parliament, pertaining to Chandigarh’s governance under Article 240, raises significant constitutional and administrative concerns regarding Punjab’s longstanding rights over the city.

This bill, if enacted, would substantially alter Chandigarh's status, effectively separating it from Punjab’s jurisdiction, which was firmly established during the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, under which Chandigarh was designated as Punjab’s capital. Such a shift would have lasting implications not only for governance but also for Punjab’s administrative, cultural, and political interests.

 Context and Concerns
Over the years, there has been a discernible pattern of legislative and administrative actions seemingly aimed at reducing Punjab’s influence over Chandigarh:
* Efforts to establish a separate Haryana legislative assembly within Chandigarh
* Moves to convert Punjab University into a central university under direct central control
* The gradual reduction of Punjab cadre officers in Chandigarh administration
* The dissolution of the democratically elected Senate of Punjab University.
The current bill proposing Article 240 governance for Chandigarh represents the most significant and final step in this series of actions, raising concerns about the erosion of Punjab’s constitutional guarantees and democratic representation in its own capital.

Constitutional and Administrative Implications
Article 240, primarily designed for Union Territories with unique administrative requirements, may not be appropriate for Chandigarh, a city with a well-established political and constitutional link to Punjab. Governance by presidential regulations under this provision could diminish democratic accountability and dilute Punjab’s role in decision-making that directly affects Chandigarh’s residents and infrastructure.

Appeal for Dialogue and Democratic Resolution
The Indian National Congress calls upon the Government of India to engage in transparent dialogue with the Punjab government and other stakeholders to preserve the constitutional rights and historical commitments associated with Chandigarh.
Further, it is imperative that Punjab’s elected representatives across parties unite to ensure any changes reflect the consensus of Punjab’s people and uphold constitutional principles.

Commitment to Punjab’s Interests 
He said, “The Congress party reaffirms its dedication to protecting Punjab’s interests, including Chandigarh’s status as Punjab’s capital. We advocate for solutions reached through democratic processes and respect for federal constitutional mandates.”