Chandigarh: Punjab’s political landscape heated up on Saturday after reports emerged that the Centre is preparing to introduce the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The proposed amendment seeks to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution—an action strongly opposed by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
According to available information, the Bill is scheduled to be tabled between December 1 and 19, triggering sharp reactions from Punjab’s regional parties. The Akali Dal called the move an “attack on Punjab’s rights,” marking the beginning of a major political confrontation.
SAD has convened an emergency meeting of its core committee on November 24 to chalk out its strategy. Senior constitutional experts will also be consulted as the party prepares its next steps.
Party president Sukhbir Singh Badal took to X to voice his anger, saying the Akali Dal never expected the Centre to “plot to snatch Chandigarh from Punjab,” especially at a time when the nation is commemorating the 350th anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib’s supreme sacrifice. He said Punjab expected healing and justice, not actions that deepen old wounds.
Badal further stated that the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill has shocked Punjabis and that the party will meet at its Chandigarh headquarters on November 24 to finalize a strong response. He added that senior legal minds will be consulted to prepare a comprehensive strategy to counter the Centre’s move.
A day earlier, Badal urged the Union government to withdraw the plan altogether, warning that passing such a Bill would be a “betrayal” of Punjabis who have sacrificed the most for the nation. He said it would also amount to reneging on long-standing commitments regarding Chandigarh’s transfer to Punjab.
