To begin the session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur on his 350th martyrdom anniversary. Soon after, he firmly declared that Punjab would not step back from its constitutional rights. Moreover, he stressed that no one should assume that the state will give up claims related to Panjab University, river waters, or Chandigarh.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa urged Punjabis to rise above political divides. He said that although parties may differ on issues, they must still stand together when the state’s interests are at stake. Furthermore, he warned that attempts to challenge Punjab’s patience were becoming frequent.

Additionally, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema pointed out that Punjab faced repeated attempts to weaken its agriculture, education, and administrative rights. Similarly, SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali reminded the House of Punjab’s sacrifices and demanded rightful control over Chandigarh as well as the release of Sikh prisoners.

In conclusion, leaders across parties agreed that only collective resolve can safeguard Punjab’s identity, historical rights, and future.

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He said Chandigarh is “dearer than life” to every Punjabi and assured that no move, now or in the future, will harm Punjab’s rights. His statement came soon after the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that it was only studying a proposal to simplify the Union Territory’s law-making process. The MHA also said that no final decision had been taken.

Bittu added that the opposition created panic without understanding Article 240. He stressed that the Article does not define state capitals or boundaries, so it does not affect Punjab in any way.

Rejecting rumours about appointing a Lieutenant Governor or restructuring the administration, he said the Punjab Governor continues as Chandigarh’s Administrator. He also highlighted how new service rules benefited thousands of employees. Bittu urged Punjabis to stay calm and trust that the Centre will always protect Punjab’s interests.

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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.

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Badal said the proposed amendment seeks to remove Punjab’s administrative and political authority over Chandigarh, which he described as a direct attack on Punjab’s rights and an assault on the idea of federalism. He stressed that Punjabis have contributed immensely to India’s freedom struggle, food security and national defence, and therefore deserve fair treatment.

He reminded the Centre of its past commitments. In 1970, the Union government agreed in principle to transfer Chandigarh to Punjab. Later, the Rajiv–Longowal Accord set January 1986 as the official deadline for the transfer. Even though Parliament ratified the accord, the transfer never happened.

Badal also accused the Centre of diluting Punjab’s claim over the decades by weakening the 60:40 staffing formula, increasing UT-cadre postings, and reducing Punjab’s influence over Panjab University.

He said Punjabis now feel ignored and discriminated against as the Centre appears determined to run Chandigarh entirely under its control.

The post Sukhbir Badal Slams Centre Over Chandigarh Separation Plan Under 131st Amendment appeared first on India Podcast.

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said the amendment appears designed to detach Chandigarh from Punjab. He said the idea threatens Punjab’s rights and its historic claim over the city. Warring demanded an immediate clarification from the Centre, stressing that people across the state feel anxious about the development.

He warned that the move could create serious repercussions. He called it an ill-advised step that may disturb peace in the region. Warring said Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and that its status cannot be altered through unilateral decisions. He added that the state will strongly resist any attempt to weaken its claim.

Warring also reminded the Centre that the delayed transfer of Chandigarh does not dilute Punjab’s constitutional and emotional connection with the city. He emphasised that Punjabis across party lines stand united on the issue. He said every attempt to change the present arrangement will face unprecedented opposition.

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He urged the Centre to end all uncertainty after withdrawing the October 30 notification. Mann said Punjab needed a clear commitment that no hidden attempts would weaken its constitutional authority. He also warned that any unclear move could spark stronger resistance.

Meanwhile, the protest at Panjab University crossed 18 days. Students continued their dharna outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office with full strength. The agitation grew after The Tribune’s November 1 report exposed major issues with the proposed restructuring plan. The Centre later withdrew four notifications issued between October 30 and November 7. Students called this a partial victory but said the fight was far from over.

Leaders of the PU Bachao Morcha met farmer unions, civil society groups, political fronts, and youth organisations. They prepared for the all-party meeting on November 20. Morcha leader Avtar Singh said the new FIR against students looked like intimidation. He warned that such actions would only increase the movement’s energy.

Students refused to return to classes or appear for exams. They said the Vice-Chancellor’s committee failed to address even one major demand. Many described the dharna site as a space of solidarity, especially with gurdwaras and village groups offering round-the-clock langar.

Footfall at the protest site kept rising each day. Students said they would continue until the university announced the Senate election schedule and restored full transparency. They also vowed to resist any attempt that undermines PU’s autonomy or Punjab’s role.

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Mann said his firm stand during the Northern Zonal Council meeting forced the Union Home Minister to defer all 11 Punjab-related items. He rejected Haryana’s demands on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, mini hydel projects on the Bhakra Main Line and accreditation of Haryana colleges to Panjab University.

He also opposed Rajasthan’s proposal to appoint a full-time member on the Bhakra Beas Management Board. Mann argued that Punjab cannot spare any water and suggested converting the SYL to the Yamuna-Sutlej Link by diverting Yamuna waters to Haryana. He also called for a review of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Mann demanded the return of Chandigarh to Punjab and elections to the Panjab University Senate. He flagged concerns over UT-cadre DANICS officers taking key posts in the Chandigarh Administration.

He said Punjab would not allow “stepmotherly treatment” and urged the Centre to protect the state’s rights, including staffing ratios and control over headworks.

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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.

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