The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday said the Centre is not planning to bring any Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament that would alter Chandigarh’s governance or administrative setup.
The clarification followed a political uproar triggered by a recent Lok Sabha bulletin. The bulletin dated November 21 had listed the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 among the Bills likely to be introduced, sparking speculation that the Union government was preparing to modify Chandigarh’s status. The reported proposal suggested placing Chandigarh under Article 240, grouping it with Union Territories that do not have legislatures — such as the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Puducherry when its Assembly is dissolved or suspended.
As protests began to build up, the MHA issued a clarification on X, saying the idea — which is still under internal examination — only aims to ease the Central government’s law-making procedure for Chandigarh. The Ministry underlined that it does not seek to change “Chandigarh’s governance or administrative structure, or the long-standing arrangements with Punjab and Haryana.” It added that a final decision would be taken only after consultations with all concerned.
The Ministry also made it clear that there is no intention to introduce such a Bill in the Winter Session, and asked political actors not to read more into the bulletin entry.
Political reactions
The mention of the draft amendment led to strong reactions in Punjab.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann slammed the reported proposal, calling it against Punjab’s interests. Congress state president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also raised concern, saying the amendment — if ever brought — could have “serious consequences” for the state.
Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal said his party opposed the idea altogether, arguing that any move in this direction would undermine earlier commitments regarding Chandigarh’s transfer to Punjab.
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