Chandigarh: A Disputed Jewel

Toward a new era

- MS Chopra

theatre of political posturing. Successive state and central governments have treated this issue as a convenient tool for political gain rather than a challenge to be addressed with statesmanship.

A vision for resolution. The Union government's latest move has brought the Chandigarh issue back into sharp focus, offering both states and the central leadership an opportunity to revisit the matter and chart a path toward resolution. While several options exist, the most pragmatic and equitable path forward involves delinking Chandigarh from its symbolic status as a shared capital and empowering Haryana to build its capital within its territory. Among the options available are:

Maintain the status quo: This would only perpetuate dissatisfaction in both states, leaving the underlying issues unresolved.

Transfer Chandigarh to Punjab: A solution endorsed by Parliament but never implemented.

Transfer Chandigarh to Haryana: Although supported by the Shah Commission, the central government rejected this idea.