Punjab leaders push back against Centre’s plan to bring Chandigarh under President’s rule

Jakhar, who previously led the state Congress, emphasized on X that Punjab's interests will remain a priority, even if it means differing from his party's central leadership.

"Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab, and the Punjab BJP stands firmly with the interests of the state whether it is the issue of Chandigarh or the waters of Punjab. Whatever confusion has arisen regarding Chandigarh will be resolved by discussing it with the government. As a Punjabi myself, I assure you that for us, Punjab always comes first," he posted on X.

The statement comes amid controversy over the Centre's plan to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, which would allow the President to make regulations for the Union Territory directly.

Currently, the Punjab Governor serves as Chandigarh’s administrator.

The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, is expected to be introduced in Parliament during the Winter Session, starting December 1.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the Centre of "conspiring to snatch" the state’s capital, highlighting the sacrifices Punjab made to build Chandigarh.

Congress state chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring called the move "totally uncalled for," while Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal decried it as an "anti-Punjab Bill" and an "attack on the federal structure."

Chandigarh, created as a Union Territory after Haryana was carved out of Punjab in 1966, has long been claimed by Punjab, with political leaders demanding a separate capital for Haryana.