A proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution has triggered a major political storm in Punjab, forcing the Centre to issue clarifications and pause its plans. Here is a simple, clear explainer on what has happened, what Article 240 actually does, and why the issue matters so much.
What Started the Controversy
The controversy began when Parliament’s business bulletin listed a possible Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025. The draft proposal aimed to place Chandigarh explicitly under Article 240, a provision that allows the President of India to make regulations for certain Union Territories.
Although the Centre later said the bill will not be introduced in the current session, the listing alone set off political alarm bells across Punjab.
What Is Article 240?
Article 240 gives the President the power to make laws for Union Territories that do not have their own Legislative Assemblies. It is already used for places like Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
If Chandigarh is brought under this Article, the Centre would gain a clearer and more direct route to frame rules for the UT, instead of relying only on regular parliamentary legislation.
How Chandigarh Is Administered Right Now
Chandigarh is a Union Territory. It also serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana and the Governor of Punjab traditionally acts as the Administrator of Chandigarh, linking the city closely with the state.
This arrangement is historically and politically sensitive for Punjab. Any change, even technical, is seen as affecting the state’s connection with its capital.
What Could Change If Article 240 Applies
According to the government, the proposal is meant only to streamline administration. But in practical terms, it could open the door to: Direct law-making powers for the Centre through presidential regulations. Appointment of a separate Administrator or Lieutenant Governor, instead of the Punjab Governor holding dual charge. Besides, a perception that Punjab’s influence over Chandigarh may weaken over time.
The Home Ministry has insisted that no decision has been finalised, and that the proposal does not aim to alter Chandigarh’s status or its relationship with Punjab and Haryana.
Why Punjab Is Strongly Opposing This
Punjab’s political leaders, across AAP, Congress, Akali Dal and even sections of the BJP, have sharply rejected the move.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called the proposal an attempt to “snatch” Chandigarh from Punjab.
Opposition leaders said it was a “backdoor attempt” to reduce Punjab’s say in its capital.
Parties argued that even a procedural shift could gradually alter the power balance over Chandigarh.
For Punjab, Chandigarh is not just a UT, it is the heart of the state’s political identity, created during the reorganisation of Punjab in 1966. Any sign of change immediately becomes emotionally and politically charged.
Where Things Stand Now
Following the backlash, the Centre announced that:
The bill will not be brought in the Winter Session, consultations will continue, and the move is only at a discussion stage.
But the controversy remains alive, as Punjab parties continue to demand that no change be made without the state’s consent.
Chandigarh’s administration has always been a delicate balance between Centre, Punjab and Haryana. Placing the city under Article 240 may seem like a technical administrative move, but for Punjab, it carries deep symbolic and political implications. That is why even a draft proposal, not yet tabled, not yet approved — sparked such a major political storm.