Arvind Kejriwal strongly criticised the Centre’s proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. He said the move is a direct threat to Punjab’s authority and described it as the Chandigarh Bill Dangerous Move. He warned that the Centre wants to strip Punjab of its rights over Chandigarh. Because of this, he said the entire state must stay alert.
Kejriwal repeated that Punjab’s rights over Chandigarh cannot be compromised. According to him, the Bill aims to place Chandigarh under Article 240, which gives the President the power to take full control of Union Territories without legislatures. He argued that this step weakens Punjab and damages India’s federal balance. Moreover, he said the BJP-led Centre wants to reduce Punjab’s influence by using constitutional changes.
In his post on X, Kejriwal added that this proposal attacks Punjab’s identity. He explained that Punjab has always protected the nation, given food to the country, and sacrificed for India’s unity. However, he said the Centre now wants to take away Punjab’s rightful share. He also said the Chandigarh Bill Dangerous Move tries to erase the state’s emotional and historical connection with Chandigarh.
Furthermore, Kejriwal said Punjab will never accept such actions. He stated that Punjabis have never bowed before oppression and will not bow today. He declared firmly that Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and will remain with Punjab.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also rejected the Bill. He said the amendment harms Punjab’s interests and weakens the state’s control over Chandigarh. Mann called it a conspiracy and said Punjab will not allow anyone to touch its rights. He added that Chandigarh stands on land taken from Punjabi villages, and the state will defend its claim at any cost.
As the debate rises, Punjab’s leaders are preparing for a strong political confrontation in the Winter Session.
