After political row, MHA says Chandigarh proposalstill underreview

As a major political row erupted in Punjab after the Centre signalled its intent to bring Chandigarh under the purview of Article 240 of the Constitution, a move that would empower the President to directly frame regulations for the Union Territory, the Union Home Ministry on Sunday clarified that the proposal is still under consideration and that it has no intention of introducing any Bill to this effect in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

At present, Chandigarh is administered by the Punjab Governor and serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.

The reported proposal had triggered strong opposition from the AAP, Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab.

In a post on X, PIB-Ministry of Home Affairs said: “The proposal only to simplify the Central Government’s lawmaking process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal."

“The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarh’s governance or administrative structure, nor does it aim to change the traditional arrangements between Chandigarh and the States of Punjab or Haryana,” the Ministry said.