Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has stepped forward as the debate over the Centre’s 131st Amendment Bill intensifies across Punjab. The political temperature is rising quickly, yet Jakhar chose a calm and firm tone. He repeated that Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab. His words aim to steady public opinion and reduce political friction.
Jakhar stressed that the Punjab BJP stands completely with the state. He said the party will protect Punjab’s rights on every issue. This includes the long-standing matters of Chandigarh and river waters. Moreover, he said the party will discuss every point with the Centre to remove confusion. As a Punjabi, he made it clear that Punjab always comes first for him. His message attempts to rebuild trust during a tense political moment.
Meanwhile, the Centre plans to introduce the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Winter Session. The Bill moves Chandigarh under Article 240, just like other Union Territories such as Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Because of this proposal, Punjab’s political landscape has shifted sharply. Parties that often disagree now stand together. AAP, Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal have all launched strong attacks on the Bill.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led the front against it. He said again that Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab. He reminded everyone that the city came up on land taken from Punjabi villages. Therefore, he argued that only Punjab holds the rightful claim. He also called the Bill a direct challenge to Punjab’s authority and promised a strong response.
As the Chandigarh Bill Row expands, the issue now carries emotional, historical, and political weight. With the Winter Session approaching, Punjab is preparing for a loud and intense confrontation.
