Conspiring To Snatch Capital: Political Row Erupts In Punjab Over Centres Push To Bring Chandigarh Under Article 240

A Parliament bulletin has revealed that the government intends to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 during the Winter Session beginning December 1, as accessed by news agency PTI. The ruling AAP as well as the Congress and Akali Dal have strongly opposed the idea, calling it unfair to Punjab.

Article 240 allows the President to frame regulations for certain Union Territories such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry. Chandigarh is not currently covered under this article.

Chandigarh became a Union Territory in 1966 after Haryana was separated from Punjab. It continues to be the joint capital of both states and is overseen by an administrator, who is the Governor of Punjab. Leaders in Punjab have long insisted that Chandigarh rightfully belongs to the state, and have often demanded that Haryana should have its own separate capital.