Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, November 21-
Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa on Saturday issued a powerful call for unity across Punjab’s political spectrum as the BJP-led Union Government moves ahead with a highly sensitive amendment concerning Chandigarh’s governance.
Referring to reports on the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, Bajwa warned that the Centre aims to bring Chandigarh under Article 240—placing it directly under a centrally appointed administrator, much like other Union Territories. Currently, Chandigarh is administered by the Punjab Governor. “This bill is a clear attempt to weaken Punjab’s historical, constitutional, and emotional claim over its own capital,” he said.
Calling the move “yet another assault on Punjab,” Bajwa accused the Union Government of persistently eroding the state’s rights—whether on Chandigarh, river waters, or Panjab University.
“The BJP-led Union Government’s anti-Punjab agenda is now out in the open. Because Punjabis do not elect the BJP, the Centre seems intent on penalising the state. This mindset is discriminatory, divisive, and completely unacceptable,” he asserted.
Bajwa reminded that Punjab has always succeeded when it stands united, citing the farmers’ movement and the Panjab University Bachao Morcha as recent examples of collective strength. “The time has come again for Punjabis to rise above party lines and defend their rightful capital. Our response must be united, firm, and unequivocal,” he added.
He also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government, saying that in its 3.5-year rule, it has “failed to safeguard Punjab’s fundamental interests,” allowing repeated intrusions on the state’s constitutional, political, and cultural rights. “Punjab cannot afford a weak government at a time when the Centre is relentlessly encroaching on our rights,” he said.