Chandigarh: The Punjab assembly passed a resolution reiterating its claim on the Union territory of Chandigarh, a city built in 1953 that functions as the capital of neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana. The resolution urged the Centre to “immediately transfer Chandigarh to Punjab”, though BJP MLA Ashwani Sharma opposed it and walked out in protest ahead of the voice vote, saying it was an attempt to mislead the people by hiding failures of successive governments.
The move was taken up during a one-day special assembly session called in the wake of a row following Union home minister Amit Shah’s announcement that central service rules will apply to the employees of Chandigarh. Apart from the treasury benches, opposition Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal and BSP supported the resolution.
Moving the resolution, CM Bhagwant Mann Mann said: “Punjab has been laying its claim for complete transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. In the past, this House has passed a number of resolutions urging the Centre. For maintaining harmony and taking the sentiments of people into account, this House once again recommends to the state government to raise the matter with the Centre to immediately transfer Chandigarh to Punjab.”
The assembly implored the Centre to honour the principles of federalism enshrined in the Constitution and not take any steps that may disturb the balance in the administration of Chandigarh and that of other common assets like Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Mann said time will be sought from the President, PM and Union home minister to put forth Punjab’s views on Chandigarh.
