The Narendra Modi government’s plans to introduce a Bill that could change the character of
Chandigarh administration during the Winter Session of Parliament have triggered a controversy with AAP, Congress and Akali Dal warning the ruling dispensation against any “attempt to snatch” Punjab’s rights over the city

While the content of the Bill is not public yet, there is apprehension in Punjab that it may dilute
its hold over the union territory where its Governor doubles up as the Administrator since 1984.

Demand for control over Chandigarh is a contentious issue with Haryana too making a claim
over it during bifurcation in 1966, prompting the government to designate the city designed by
Le Corbusier as capital to both the states but keeping it a union territory.

The argument by the opponents of The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025 is that if the
existing arrangement is diluted, Punjab would lose its claim over making Chandigarh its capital
exclusively.

Along with this Bill, the Modi government is also planning to bring nine other new Bills seeking
to open up the nuclear sector to private players, introduce reforms in higher education as well as those linked to reforms in the insurance sector, securities and easing land acquisition for
highways among others.