Fresh storm over Chandigarh:Punjab leaders unite against 131st constitutional amendment proposal; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 22, 2025 — A major political storm has erupted in Punjab over reports that the Centre may introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill in the upcoming winter session of Parliament, a move widely perceived as an attempt to strip Punjab of its historical and administrative ties to Chandigarh.
The controversy resurfaced weeks after the Centre faced strong backlash for attempting to dismantle Panjab University’s Senate and Syndicate system — a proposal later put on hold following student protests and statewide criticism. Fresh media reports now claim that the winter session, beginning December 1, could see the introduction of the 131st Constitutional Amendment, potentially altering Chandigarh’s status.
What the 131st Amendment Could Mean for Chandigarh
According to the reported proposal, Chandigarh would become an independent Union Territory directly under central administration. Until now, the UT has been overseen by the Governor of Punjab, while several administrative posts have been handled by Punjab cadre officers.
If implemented, Punjab’s administrative control would be completely removed, weakening the state’s long-standing claim over Chandigarh as its capital.
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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issued a fierce statement opposing the proposed amendment, calling it a “direct attack on Punjab’s interests” and a “deliberate conspiracy” by the Centre.
“We strongly oppose the proposed 131st Amendment Bill. This amendment goes directly against Punjab’s interests. We will not let any conspiracy being crafted against Punjab by the Centre succeed,” Mann said.
He stressed that Chandigarh was constructed on land acquired from displaced Punjab villages, giving Punjab full moral and historical claim over it.
“Chandigarh was built by uprooting Punjab’s villages. It is solely Punjab’s right. We will not surrender our claim under any circumstances,” he asserted, adding that the state was ready to take “every necessary step” to protect its constitutional rights.Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also voiced strong apprehension, calling the proposal “deeply worrying” and demanding immediate clarification from the Centre.
He warned that such an “ill-advised misadventure” would have “serious repercussions” in Punjab.
“Chandigarh belongs to Punjab. Any attempt to alter its status will be met with unprecedented resistance,” he said.
Warring added that the delay in transferring Chandigarh back to Punjab — a promise made decades ago — did not weaken Punjab’s rightful claim.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal went a step further, questioning the Centre’s intentions and accusing it of reneging on historical commitments.
“The 131st Amendment seeks to permanently take Chandigarh out of Punjab’s administrative and political control. Is the Centre now moving to betray Punjabis who sacrificed the most for this nation?” Badal asked.
Calling it an “assault on federalism,” he reminded the Centre of its earlier commitments:
- 1970: Centre accepted in principle that Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab.
- 1986: Rajiv–Longowal Accord fixed the deadline for the transfer.
- Parliament ratified the accord, but it was never implemented.
Badal also pointed out how the Centre had gradually diluted Punjab’s influence—ranging from altering the 60:40 employee posting ratio to appointing AGMUT cadre officers in Chandigarh and diminishing Punjab’s control over Panjab University.
“Punjabis are agitated that the Centre is ignoring Punjab’s rightful claim and attempting to place Chandigarh solely under Union rule,” he said.