The political tug-of-war between Punjab and Haryana over Chandigarh has escalated into a fierce battle, with leaders from all major political parties trading barbs. The contentious issue of Haryana’s proposal to build a new legislative assembly in Chandigarh has reignited deep-seated disputes, fueling a war of words across the party lines. 

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, leading an AAP delegation, met Punjab Governor and UT-Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday to express Punjab’s staunch opposition. “Chandigarh belongs to Punjab, and we will not cede an inch of land to Haryana,” Cheema asserted. On the other hand, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini countered, claiming Chandigarh as Haryana's “rightful share”, urging his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann to abandon “divisive politics” and focus on the welfare of Punjab's people.

Punjab’s Stand: ‘Not An Inch To Be Given to Haryana’

Cheema, leading AAP delegation to meet the Governor, emphasized Punjab’s legal and historical claim over Chandigarh. He said: “Chandigarh is Punjab’s capital, and Haryana has no authority to establish a legislative assembly here. The recent decision to remove the eco-sensitive zone restrictions is also inappropriate,” he said. Cheema submitted a memorandum citing the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and the Rajiv Gandhi-Sant Harchand Singh Longowal Accord in 1985, which both affirm Chandigarh as part of Punjab.

“Previous governments had failed to safeguard Punjab’s interests regarding Chandigarh…When Punjab and Haryana were created, it was clearly understood that Haryana would establish its own capital in Panchkula, and not in Chandigarh,” he reminded, while stressing that Haryana should build its Legislative Assembly in Panchkula. Following the meeting, he expressed optimism stating that the Governor assured them of a thorough evaluation before any decision is made.

AAP leader and Punjab Power and PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO also strongly opposed the move, calling it a conspiracy to create discord between the states. Urging the Centre to respect Punjab’s historical claims, he warned that such moves would hurt Punjabi sentiments. 

Highlighting Chandigarh’s significance as Punjab’s capital, he accused the BJP-led Union Government of using divisive tactics. He linked this decision to broader neglect, citing delayed paddy procurement and withheld development funds as evidence of anti-Punjab policies. 

Haryana’s Rebuttal: Have Rightful Share in Chd

Haryana Chief Minister Saini sharply criticized Punjab’s leadership for “misleading” its people. “Punjab is our elder brother, and we respect its legacy. However, we also have rights over Chandigarh. Instead of stirring emotions over non-issues like the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, Punjab should work for its farmers who are willing to share water with Haryana,” he remarked. 

Strongly rebuking Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other state leaders over their opposition to Haryana’s proposed Vidhan Sabha building in Chandigarh, Saini emphasized Haryana’s rightful claim to Chandigarh, urging Punjab leaders to avoid “petty politics” and prioritize the welfare of their farmers. 

“When Haryana was carved out, it was agreed that Haryana would establish its own capital and Vidhan Sabha. Chandigarh belongs to both states, and Haryana’s rights are undeniable,” Saini said, adding that Punjab should focus on addressing pressing farmer issues rather than creating unnecessary controversies. 

Countering to Punjab Chief Minister’s statement that he would not permit Haryana’s assembly to be built in Chandigarh, Saini highlighted Punjab’s failure to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments and purchase crops from its farmers. He accused Mann’s government of diverting attention from real issues. 

“The Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) water has been denied to Haryana, and now, Punjab leaders are attempting to block Haryana’s Vidhan Sabha. This is divisive politics at its worst,” Saini remarked. 

Also taking aim at the Congress and AAP, Saini accused them of prioritizing politics over people’s welfare. He warned that such tactics would backfire, as citizens recognize the truth and demand genuine governance. 

Haryana Minister Anil Vij took a firmer stance, accusing Punjab of reneging on agreements. “Chandigarh can only be theirs if they transfer Hindi-speaking areas to Haryana and release our rightful share of SYL water. Until then, our claim over Chandigarh remains strong,” Vij declared.

“They (Punjab) are under a misconception; they are unaware of the history of Punjab and Haryana,” he added.

Haryana BJP MP Kiran Choudhary argued, “Chandigarh has been a Union Territory since inception, with a 60:40 administrative ratio in favour of Punjab. Even that ratio hasn’t been honoured. Haryana’s new Assembly plan is part of future planning, not a violation of anyone’s rights.” 

Opposition Voices in Punjab

The opposition parties in Punjab have united against the decision. Punjab’s former Minister and senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia on Friday written to Punjab Governor emphasizing his constitutional duty to protect Punjab’s interests amidst the ongoing Chandigarh dispute. Kalia highlighted the 1970 award by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, affirming Chandigarh as Punjab’s permanent capital while allocating Rs 10 crore to Haryana for a new capital. 

He referenced the Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966, which made Chandigarh a temporary Union Territory shared by Punjab and Haryana. Kalia argued that linguistic division principles favour Punjab as the parent state for Chandigarh’s ownership. 

Raising concerns over the Centre’s environmental clearance to UT land for Haryana’s Vidhan Sabha, Kalia called it a breach of trust for Punjabis. He urged the Governor to uphold Punjab’s rights and prevent actions that might disrupt peace or undermine the state's assets.

A day before, senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa had written to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to honour Punjab’s longstanding claim over Chandigarh. “Chandigarh is more than just a capital; it’s a symbol of Punjab’s cultural and emotional identity. Restoring it as Punjab’s exclusive capital would reflect goodwill and fulfill past promises,” Bajwa had said. 

Echoing similar sentiments, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar had emphasized the city’s deep emotional connection with Punjab. However, he also acknowledged the complexities surrounding the issue. “While the Prime Minister’s efforts for Punjab’s welfare are commendable, granting 10 acres of land in Chandigarh to Haryana for its assembly could hurt Punjab’s sentiments. This decision needs reconsideration to maintain harmony,” Jakhar had stated. 

Central Nod to Haryana’s Plans

In July 2022, during a meeting of the Northern Zonal Council in Jaipur, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved Haryana’s proposal to construct a new legislative assembly building in Chandigarh. Haryana has been allotted 10 acres of land near IT Park for this purpose, while the State has agreed to transfer 12 acres near Mansa Devi Complex in Panchkula in exchange.

Environmental hurdles were recently cleared when the Union Ministry of Environment modified the eco-sensitive zone restrictions on the proposed land in Panchkula. However, Punjab leaders have criticized this exchange, viewing it as detrimental to their interests. 

Chandigarh: A Legacy of Disputes

The dispute over Chandigarh dates back to the reorganization of Punjab in 1966, which led to the creation of Haryana. While Chandigarh was declared a Union Territory, it was to serve as the shared capital of both states temporarily. Despite numerous agreements and promises, including the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord, the city’s permanent status has remained unresolved. 

The Chandigarh dispute has once again spotlighted inter-state tensions in North India, with leaders from both Punjab and Haryana digging in their heels. As political tempers rise, the resolution of this contentious issue will require delicate balancing by the Centre to ensure justice and maintain harmony between the two states. Whether through legal arbitration or political compromise, the future of Chandigarh hangs in the balance.