Punjab CM Reiterates Chandigarh Claim as Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann strongly raised Punjab’s long-standing demands before Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Northern Zonal Council meeting. He highlighted the unresolved issues of Chandigarh, Panjab University, and river waters. He also pushed for a stronger federal structure in India.
Mann reminded the council that the 1970 Indira Gandhi Agreement and the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord clearly promised Chandigarh to Punjab. He said the Centre must honour its commitments because Punjabis feel deeply hurt by the delay.
He also urged the Centre to maintain the 60:40 personnel ratio between Punjab and Haryana in the Chandigarh administration. Mann said the growing exclusion of Punjab cadre IAS and PCS officers from key posts harms the state’s rightful role.
On river waters, he proposed linking the Chenab with Ravi and Beas to help Punjab fight water scarcity and boost power production. He also opposed Rajasthan’s push for a full-time BBMB post and any attempt to raise the reservoir levels of Bhakra and Pong dams due to recent floods.
Mann defended Punjab’s rights over Panjab University and rejected Haryana’s sudden demand for affiliation. He also called for strong action against weapons smuggling from other states.
He said the Zonal Council must support cooperation and a genuine federal structure to strengthen all northern states.
