Centre Testing Punjab’s Patience on Sensitive Issues: Meet Hayer Demands Full Transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab

New Delhi/Chandigarh, December 4, 2025: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today issued a strong statement after the parliamentary session, warning that the Central Government is repeatedly “testing the patience of Punjabis” by raking up Punjab’s most sensitive issues, Chandigarh’s status, the centralisation of Panjab University, the dismantling of the University Senate/electorate, and proposals to turn Chandigarh into a Union Territory governed by a Lieutenant Governor.
 
He said the Centre should instead fulfil the long-standing national commitment that Chandigarh was built as Punjab’s capital and must be handed over fully to Punjab. “Punjab remains the only state in the entire country without its own capital. This is a grave injustice to the state that made the greatest sacrifices for India and ensured national food security,” he said, urging the Government of India to honour its promise.
 
Meet Hayer reminded that even today the Governor of Punjab also serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh, and most key administrative officers are from Punjab. “Despite all this, the Centre is trying to push Chandigarh further away from Punjab. We strongly oppose this,” he asserted.
 
Responding to a media question over remarks made by Akali leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Meet Hayer said every person in Punjab knows under which governments synthetic drugs like Chitta spread and whose associates’ names repeatedly surfaced in drug investigations.
 
He condemned Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s shocking statement supporting more Central control by BSF inside Punjab. “For decades, all Punjab MPs, cutting across parties, fought for federal rights of the state. Even the Akali Dal once championed more powers to state. But today, at the BJP’s command, Badals are ready to hand Punjab’s control to the Centre through BSF,” he said.
 
“Those who could not protect Punjab earlier now want to pass Punjab’s authority to the Centre. What deal have they struck with BJP? Punjabis deserve to know,” he added.
 
Meet Hayer clarified that Punjab Police acts immediately and fearlessly against any criminal or disruptive elements operating inside Punjab. “If anyone tries to create disturbance in Punjab, they face strict legal action. Many such elements have been eliminated as per law,” he said.
 
Regarding criminals operating from other states, jails outside Punjab, or from abroad, he said the Punjab Government is in constant coordination with Central agencies to stop them completely. “Wherever they are hiding, outside Punjab or outside India, we are pursuing every channel to finish their networks,” he added.
 
On another media query, Meet Hayer strongly criticised the Shiromani Akali Dal for complaining about local body elections.

He said Punjabis clearly remember how, during Akali rule, district council and local body elections were captured using government machinery, with entire districts showing zero nominations from opposition parties. “Is it possible that not even a single candidate appears in entire districts? That was the Akali era,” he said.
 
“Today the situation is the opposite. Akali Dal cannot find candidates, villagers refuse to stand on their ticket because people are angry and insult them. Our candidates file nominations, but Akalis struggle even to convince one person to stand. That is the real reason behind their noise,” Meet Hayer stated.