‘No final decision....’: Centre issues clarification over proposal to appoint Lt Governor in Chandigarh

Chandigarh: As the political tug of war increases over Centre’s reported move on Chandigarh’s administrative structure, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday issued a clarification saying that no final decision has been taken on the proposal. It added that there was no intention to alter the arrangements between the Union Territory of Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana.

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The Centre has proposed to include Chandigarh under Article 240, which will allow the President to appoint a Lieutenant Governor for the Union Territory. The Punjab Governor currently administers the city. The Opposition parties have slammed the Centre following the proposal.

What MHA's clarification says

Issuing a clarification, the MHA shared a message on X, saying, “ The proposal only to simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal. The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarh’s governance or administrative structure, nor does it aim to change the traditional arrangements between Chandigarh and the States of Punjab or Haryana.”

“A suitable decision will be taken only after adequate consultations with all stakeholders, keeping in mind the interests of Chandigarh. There is no need for any concern on this matter. The Central Government has no intention of introducing any Bill to this effect in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament,” it added further.

Direct assault on Punjab’s identity: Arvind Kejriwal

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal termed the Centre’s move as "a direct attack" on the state’s identity and constitutional rights. “The BJP-led central government's attempt to strip Punjab of its rights over Chandigarh through constitutional amendments is not part of any ordinary step, but a direct assault on Punjab's identity and constitutional rights. This mindset of tearing apart the federal structure to snatch away Punjabis' rights is extremely dangerous,” he wrote on X.

The former Delhi chief minister added, “The Punjab that has always sacrificed for the country's security, grain, water, and humanity is today being deprived of its own rightful share. This is not merely an administrative decision but akin to wounding the soul of Punjab. History bears witness that Punjabis have never bowed their heads before any dictatorship. Punjab will not bow today either. Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and will remain Punjab's.”