Chandigarh Bill / No Change in Chandigarh's Administration, Centre Clarifies Amid Punjab Political Row

The Central Government has moved to quell the political uproar in Punjab by clarifying that there will be no change in the administration system of the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The Union Home Ministry has dismissed speculations suggesting that Chandigarh's administrative structure might be altered, which could impact Punjab's claims and its association with the state capital. This clarification comes at a time when the Punjab government and opposition parties, notably the Aam Aadmi. Party (AAP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), were accusing the Centre of attempting to 'snatch' Chandigarh from Punjab.

Controversy Over Proposed Winter Session Bill

The entire controversy originated from reports circulating about the potential introduction of. The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. It was widely discussed that this bill proposed changes concerning Chandigarh and Article 240 of the Constitution. This perceived impending change caused significant unrest in Punjab's political circles. The Punjab government and various opposition parties had demanded clarification from the central government on this issue, fearing that the bill could affect Chandigarh's existing status and its administrative framework.

Punjab Political Parties Raise Objections

In response to these reports, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the opposition Congress, and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had leveled strong accusations against the central government. These parties alleged that the Centre was preparing to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment). Bill, 2025, in the upcoming Winter Session, with the intention of changing Chandigarh's administrative structure. Opposition parties termed this as an 'attempt to snatch Chandigarh from Punjab' and claimed that such a move would have a major impact on Punjab's historical claim over Chandigarh and its association as the state's capital. These allegations Importantly escalated political tensions in the state.

Central Home Ministry's Clarification

The Union Home Ministry, addressing all these apprehensions and allegations, clarified that a proposal to merely simplify the process of law-making by the central government for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is currently under consideration at the central government level. The Ministry emphasized that no final decision has been taken on this proposal. Most importantly, the Ministry explicitly stated that this proposal doesn't, in any way, involve changing Chandigarh's governance-administration system or its traditional relations with Punjab or Haryana. This statement directly addresses the primary concern of the political parties in Punjab.

Stakeholder Consultation and Future Plans

The Home Ministry further assured that any appropriate decision regarding Chandigarh would only be taken after adequate consultation with all stakeholders, keeping Chandigarh's interests in mind. The Ministry stressed that there is no need for concern on this matter. Also, the central government also clarified that it has no intention of presenting any such bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. This announcement puts a complete stop to speculations that a bill related to Chandigarh's status would be introduced in the winter session, thereby hoping to restore political stability in Punjab.

Article 240 and Chandigarh's Status

The root of the controversy was the political dispute that arose over the perceived plan to bring. Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution through the 131st Amendment Bill in the upcoming winter session. The aim was reportedly to align it with other Union Territories such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman and Diu. Article 240 empowers the President to make regulations for the peace, progress, and good government of certain Union Territories. Leaders in Punjab feared that bringing Chandigarh under this article. Could negatively impact its special status and its relationship with Punjab. However, the Home Ministry's clarification seeks to allay these fears, making it clear that only the simplification of the law-making process is being considered, not a change in Chandigarh's fundamental status or traditional ties.

The proposal only to simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal. The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarh’s…

— PIB - Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 23, 2025