Centre Denies Move to Alter Chandigarh’s Status Amid Row Over Proposed Constitution 131st Amendment Bill 2025
The Union government is getting ready to present the Constitution Bill, 2025, during Parliament's winter session in the near future - a recommendation that could possibly change Chandigarh's administrative structure and provoke far-reaching ramifications for Punjab's claim and affiliation to Chandigarh, the capital of the state.
Aadrika Tayal 
New Delhi (India) November 23: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) explained that the proposal for the Central Government to provide a law-making process for Chandigarh is still being contemplated and no final decision has been made. The government stressed that the proposal to provide laws does not entail a change to Chandigarh's governance or administrative structures, nor does it propose a change to the centuries old arrangements between Chandigarh and the states of Punjab or Haryana.
Centre Says Consultations Needed Before Any Decision on Union Territory’s Future
The MHA also stated that if any decision is made regarding the Union Territory, it will only be made after having had consultations underway with all of the necessary stakeholders, while considering the interests of Chandigarh. The Central Government also reassured that there was no need for alarm, and confirmed that there is no intention of undertaking any bill in the Winter Session of Parliament.
Previously, a bulletin from Parliament had referred to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025, which sought to bring Chandigarh within the ambit of Article 240 of the Constitution, and grant the President direct powers to enact regulations for the Union Territory.
Constitution Bill 2025 Sparks Political Outcry Across Punjab’s Leadership Spectrum
The proposal was met with stiff resistance from Punjab politicians, prompting the Centre to announce that the Bill would not be discussed in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.
AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal strongly opposed a Constitution Amendment bill that is expected to be introduced in Parliament to include Chandigarh under Article 240.
The AAP Leader said, "The BJP-led central government's attempt to eliminate Punjab's rights over Chandigarh through constitutional amendment is not part of a simple move, but a direct attack on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights. This mentality of undermining the federal structure and depriving Punjabis of their rights is extremely dangerous," in a post on X.
President's Power If Chandigarh was under Article 240
If Chandigarh had in fact been brought under Article 240, the President would have had the capacity to appoint a Lieutenant Governor to govern the Union Territory, rather than a Governor of Punjab currently holding the additional charge for the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
