The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has confirmed that the Central government will not introduce any bill concerning Chandigarh’s administration during the forthcoming winter session of Parliament, commencing on December 1, 2025. Speculation regarding a proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to place Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution—thereby categorizing it with Union territories lacking legislatures and granting the President the authority to establish regulations—has triggered political tensions, particularly in Punjab. However, the MHA clarified that this proposal is intended solely to streamline the law-making process for Chandigarh and does not aim to change its governance, administrative framework, or the longstanding agreements between Chandigarh and the states of Punjab and Haryana.
The Ministry reassured that no conclusive decision has been reached and that any actions will involve comprehensive discussions with all stakeholders to protect Chandigarh’s interests. The Centre dismissed fears regarding alterations to Chandigarh’s status or administrative oversight, reaffirming that the existing arrangement, in which the Punjab governor serves as administrator, remains unchanged. Additionally, the government’s position is designed to ease political strains and misunderstandings related to the matter while considering the sensitive equilibrium between the Union Territory and its neighboring states. This clarification follows significant opposition from Punjab’s political factions, who perceived the bill as a threat to Punjab’s claims over its capital.