Protests and political opposition have escalated in Punjab against the Central government's proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill aims to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the purview of Article 240 of the Constitution, which grants the President the power to make direct regulations and laws for certain UTs. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal have both. Condemned this move, calling it a direct assault on Punjab's historical and constitutional rights over Chandigarh.
Kejriwal's Strong Condemnation: 'Federal Structure Being Undermined'
Aam Aadmi Party's national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, has vehemently criticized the Central government's initiative. On the social media platform X, he unequivocally stated, "Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and will remain Punjab's. " Kejriwal labeled the proposed amendment as a "direct attack on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights. " He further added that "this mindset of snatching the. Rights of Punjabis by undermining the federal structure is extremely dangerous. " Kejriwal emphasized that Punjab, which has always sacrificed for the nation's security, food grains, water, and humanity, is now being deprived of its rightful share. He described it not merely as an administrative decision but as something that "hurts the soul of Punjab.
CM Mann's Vehement Opposition and Warning
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also raised his voice against the bill, while he posted on X, stating, "We strongly oppose the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill being brought by the Central government in the upcoming winter session of Parliament. " Mann described the amendment as "against the interests of. Punjab" and accused the Central government of a "conspiracy against Punjab. " He firmly declared, "We won't allow the Central government's conspiracy against Punjab to succeed. " The Chief Minister reiterated Punjab's historical claim over Chandigarh, asserting that "only Punjab has the right over Chandigarh, which was built by displacing Punjabi villages. " He warned that Punjab wouldn't let its rights be taken away easily and would take all necessary steps to protect them.
Punjabis' History: A Resolve Not to Bow to Dictatorship
Arvind Kejriwal invoked the glorious history of Punjabis, stating, "History is. Witness that Punjabis have never bowed their heads before any dictatorship. " He expressed confidence that "Punjab won't bow down even today, while " This statement underscores the strong resolve of the people of Punjab and their capacity to fight for their rights. Both Kejriwal and Mann have shown solidarity on this issue, vowing to strongly oppose the Central government's decision.
Understanding the 131st Constitution Amendment Bill
The proposed 131st Constitution Amendment Bill, 2025, is a significant legislative change being introduced by the Government of India. Its primary objective is to bring the Union Territory of. Chandigarh under the ambit of Article 240 of the Constitution. Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations and laws directly for certain Union Territories, such as Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Lakshadweep, where there is no legislature. Currently, Chandigarh is administered by the Governor of Punjab. The implementation of this amendment could lead to major changes in Chandigarh's administrative structure and directly impact Punjab's claims over it. The Punjab government believes that this move will weaken its long-standing claim over Chandigarh and violate the state's federal rights.
