Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Nov 23: Amid political turmoil over the Centre’s plan to bring Chandigarh under President’s direct control, Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar reaffirmed that the city is an “integral part of Punjab” and assured that the “confusion” will be resolved through talks with the Centre. Jakhar’s stance, shared on X, contrasts with his party’s position at the Centre.

“Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab, and the Punjab BJP stands firmly with the interests of the state… Whatever confusion has arisen regarding Chandigarh will be resolved by discussing it with the government. As a Punjabi, I assure you that for us, Punjab always comes first,” Jakhar posted.

The controversy stems from the Centre’s plan to include Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, allowing the President to make regulations for the Union Territory. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described the move as a “conspiracy to snatch” Punjab’s capital, while Congress and Akali Dal leaders also criticized the proposal, vowing to defend Punjab’s rights.

Chandigarh, carved out as a Union Territory after Haryana was created in 1966, currently falls under the Governor of Punjab. Punjab leaders have long maintained that the city belongs to the state and have demanded a separate capital for Haryana. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 is set to be introduced in the upcoming Winter Session starting December 1.