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Centre Passes Chandigarh Bill, Sparks Political Row in Punjab

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ndigarh-bill-sparks-political-row-in-punjab.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 3:43 GMT by The Hans India

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The Centre’s Chandigarh Bill: A Political Tussle in Punjab

The recent passage of the “Chandigarh Bill” by India’s Parliament has ignited a sharp political row in Punjab, turning a seemingly procedural legislative act into a flashpoint for inter‑state rivalry, constitutional debate, and party politics. The Hans India’s comprehensive coverage of the development unpacks the bill’s objectives, the reactions of key political players, and the broader implications for Chandigarh’s status as a Union Territory shared by Punjab and Haryana.

1. What the Chandigarh Bill Actually Says

At its core, the Chandigarh Bill seeks to restructure the administrative framework of the city that sits on the border of Punjab and Haryana. Historically, Chandigarh has functioned as a Union Territory—directly governed by the central government—while simultaneously serving as the capital for both states. The bill, as outlined in the Hans India article, proposes:

• A clearer demarcation of Chandigarh’s administrative boundaries – ensuring that the city remains a single, cohesive unit under Union Territory status.
• The abolition of the “Joint Administration” arrangement – which previously allowed for shared governance of the city’s infrastructure and services between the two states.
• The reallocation of certain municipal services – with the intent to streamline decision‑making and reduce inter‑state friction.

While the bill does not explicitly propose relocating the capital of Punjab or Haryana, it does remove the joint governance mechanisms that have been a point of contention for decades.

2. The Political Fallout in Punjab

Punjab’s political landscape was thrust into turbulence following the bill’s passage. The opposition-led state government—primarily the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)—quickly condemned the move as a unilateral centralisation of power that undermines state autonomy.

2.1 Congress’s Strong Rebuttal

Congress leaders in Punjab, led by senior legislator Sukhbir Singh Badal, decried the bill as a “political gimmick” aimed at weakening the state’s influence over Chandigarh. Badal demanded the withdrawal of the bill, arguing that it “violates the principle of shared governance” that has been a bedrock of the city’s administrative history.

The Congress’s statement—captured in the article—also highlighted the potential for “administrative chaos” if the city’s governance structure is abruptly altered. They called upon the central government to revisit the bill in consultation with both states and the Union Territory administration.

2.2 BJP’s Push for Implementation

In contrast, the BJP-led central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stood by the bill as a necessary step toward modernising Chandigarh’s governance. Officials argued that the joint administration had become an “inefficient legacy” that hindered the city’s growth and development. The party’s narrative focused on the need for a unified decision‑making body to accelerate infrastructure projects and public service delivery.

The BJP’s response was met with skepticism by Punjab’s ruling coalition, which perceived the bill as a political ploy designed to dilute the state’s bargaining power over the city.

3. Legal and Constitutional Dimensions

The Hans India article delves into the constitutional implications of the bill, citing experts who see the proposal as a legal exercise within the powers granted to the Parliament under Article 245 of the Constitution. However, critics argue that the bill skirts the delicate balance of federalism that has historically allowed Chandigarh to serve as a neutral capital for both states.

One key point of debate is whether the bill infringes on the rights of Punjab and Haryana to share administrative responsibilities as outlined in earlier agreements, such as the Chandigarh Agreement of 1966. Some legal scholars contend that the removal of joint administration could be challenged in the Supreme Court if it is deemed to violate the federal structure.

4. Broader Impact on Chandigarh’s Future

Beyond the immediate political friction, the Chandigarh Bill raises questions about the city’s future trajectory:

• Urban Planning and Infrastructure: A single administrative authority could streamline projects like the expansion of metro rail networks, the upgrade of municipal water systems, and the deployment of smart city technologies.
• Economic Development: Unified governance may attract investment by reducing bureaucratic hurdles, but it could also alienate stakeholders accustomed to the dual‑state framework.
• Social Cohesion: Chandigarh’s diverse population—comprising people from both Punjab and Haryana—could feel the effects of a governance model that no longer formally acknowledges the shared heritage.

The article also references a 2023 poll where residents expressed mixed sentiments about the change, with some praising potential efficiency gains and others fearing loss of local representation.

5. The Path Forward: Negotiation or Litigation?

The central government has signalled willingness to engage in dialogue with Punjab and Haryana officials, but the opposition remains steadfast in its demands for a repeal of the bill. The Hans India piece highlights the possibility of a tripartite forum, where the Union Territory administration, Punjab, and Haryana could negotiate a revised framework that balances efficiency with shared governance.

Alternatively, if political stalemate persists, the matter could be escalated to the judiciary. Several state legislators have hinted at filing petitions in the Supreme Court, citing constitutional concerns and the potential for “unconstitutional interference” in state affairs.

6. Conclusion: A Microcosm of Federal Dynamics

The Chandigarh Bill’s passage and the ensuing political row in Punjab serve as a microcosm of India’s federal dynamics, where central authority, state interests, and local administration intersect. The Hans India’s article underscores that while the bill seeks administrative clarity, its real test will be in how well it reconciles the demands of federalism with the imperative for modern, efficient governance.

As the debate continues, stakeholders across the political spectrum must navigate a complex matrix of legal, administrative, and social considerations. Whether the bill will ultimately reshape Chandigarh into a more streamlined Union Territory or be reversed through political compromise remains an open question—one that will undoubtedly shape the region’s governance narrative for years to come.