The controversy over the proposed site for Haryana’s new Assembly building in Chandigarh has sparked intense political outrage in Punjab. Leaders from all major political parties in the state are voicing their strong objections, accusing the Central Government of undermining Punjab’s rightful claim over the Union Territory (UT) of Chandigarh.
The issue centered on the allocation of 10 acres of land in Chandigarh for the construction of Haryana’s legislative assembly. In return, Haryana has proposed to offer 12 acres of land in Panchkula to the Chandigarh Administration. United across party lines, Punjab’s political leaders, however, argued that Chandigarh is historically and culturally a part of Punjab, and any move to allow Haryana to set up its legislative body in the city is an affront to the state's interests.
The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has strongly condemned the decision, with party spokesperson Neel Garg accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Central Government of intentionally weakening Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh. Garg pointed out that the land in Chandigarh was originally taken from Punjab’s villages when the city was developed and that the Reorganization Act of 1966 clearly stated that Haryana would eventually create its own capital, which never happened.
Former Minister and AAP leader Anmol Gagan Mann confirmed that the party would take legal action to contest the decision. “We will not back down on this issue. We are prepared to take the matter to court and will hold protests if necessary,” she said, emphasizing the state's determination to protect its rights.
Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring expressed similar concerns accusing the Central Government of undermining Punjab's rightful claims to Chandigarh. “This is just another attempt to weaken Punjab’s hold on its capital. We will not allow this to happen,” Warring declared, reaffirming his party’s commitment to oppose the move.
Congress leader Raj Kumar Verka further emphasized that this was part of a continuous effort by the Central Government to encroach upon Punjab’s rights. He vowed that the opposition would continue to fight this decision until it was overturned.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler condemned the move as a “major assault” on Punjab’s rights. “Chandigarh belongs to Punjab. It was developed by displacing 22 of our villages, and we cannot allow it to become the seat of another state’s legislature,” said Kler.
He also criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Government for failing to defend the state’s interests effectively, stating that the current government has not done enough to counter these encroachments.
