Facing strong opposition from political parties of Punjab, the Centre on Thursday cancelled the appointment of former IAS officer KJ Alphos as Administrator of Chandigarh.
This was the first time that a separate person was appointed as Administrator in the Union Territory, over which the Punjab Governor had the powers.
The turnaround came as the political parties, including the ruling Akali Dal in Punjab urged the Union Home Minister to review the appointment of the Administrator, arguing it will effectively take away the powers of the Governor of Punjab over Chandigarh and may not be in the larger interest of the State. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal prevailed over the Union Home Ministry, arguing the move to take Chandigarh away from the control of Punjab Governor will send a wrong signal to the people in the poll-bound State. Soon after the news broke regarding Alphons' appointment, Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh as well as the AAP issued press statements, strongly opposing the move.
"On August 13, BJP president Amit Shah called me to inform that I have been cleared for appointment; but following concerns raised by political parties in Punjab, he called me last (Wednesday) night again to say that it is not going to happen," Alphons said.