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New Delhi: Amid intensifying political outrage in Punjab and Haryana over a proposed amendment seeking to place Chandigarh at par with other Union Territories (UTs), the Central Government on Sunday clarified that it has no plans to introduce the contentious legislation in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.

The statement comes after days of criticism from regional parties and even the BJP’s Punjab unit, which demanded that the Centre withdraw the proposal, citing concerns over Punjab’s long-standing emotional, historical, and administrative ties with Chandigarh.

Centre Pulls Back, Says Decision Still Under Review

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had earlier indicated plans to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, a draft legislation aimed at simplifying the law-making process for Chandigarh by bringing it in line with other UTs such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Puducherry.

However, in a post on X, the MHA (PIB) made a significant course correction, stating that the proposal is still under examination and is far from finalised. “The proposal to simplify the process of law-making exclusively by the Central Government for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is currently under consideration… No final decision has been taken on this proposal,” the ministry wrote.

Govt Assures: No Change to Chandigarh’s Current Governance Structure

Addressing public anxiety, the Home Ministry stressed that the proposed amendment does not seek to alter Chandigarh’s governance model, administrative structure, or its traditional relationship with Punjab and Haryana.

The clarification is necessary because Chandigarh serves as the shared capital of both states, and any move perceived as changing its status has historically triggered political sensitivities—particularly in Punjab, where Chandigarh has been a core component of the unresolved territorial dispute.

Stakeholder Consultations Before Any Move

The ministry further assured that the government would move forward only after “adequate consultation with all stakeholders”, emphasising that the interests of Chandigarh’s residents would be kept at the centre of the decision. “There is no need for concern on this matter. The Central Government has no intention of presenting any bill to this effect in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament,” the MHA stated.

Political Backlash Forces Rethink

The Centre’s retreat follows a rare instance of pushback within its own ranks. The Punjab BJP leadership warned that the proposed bill would “hurt the sentiments of Punjab” and demanded its immediate withdrawal. Opposition parties in Punjab and Haryana had already accused the Centre of attempting to dilute the UT’s special administrative arrangement. For now, the government’s decision to step back appears aimed at diffusing tensions—though the political debate on Chandigarh’s status is far from over.