AMRITSAR: Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of Opposition, has strongly denounced the Modi government’s recent decision to re-designate the Chandigarh Administrator’s Adviser as Chief Secretary, calling it a direct attack on Punjab’s legitimate claim over the city. Bajwa criticized this move as a deliberate attempt to weaken Punjab’s position and marginalize the Punjabi community, which he believes is part of a broader agenda to undermine the state.
Bajwa emphasized that this is not merely an administrative change, but a strategic move by the Centre to further dilute Punjab’s rights. “Chandigarh, which was carved from Punjab’s villages, has always been a part of Punjab’s rightful claim. This move is an assault on Punjab’s dignity and a violation of the principles of federalism, ” said Bajwa.
He also highlighted the earlier move by the Centre to raise a separate cadre for the Union Territory of Chandigarh, further weakening the 60:40 officer posting ratio between Punjab and Haryana. “The Centre’s creation of a separate cadre for Chandigarh was another step in diluting Punjab’s stake in the city. This decision undermines the longstanding practice that ensured equal representation for both Punjab and Haryana in the administration of Chandigarh, ” Bajwa noted.
Furthermore, Bajwa pointed out that the Centre’s decision to abolish the Advisor post and replace it with the title of Chief Secretary, following the example of Delhi, signals a broader effort to permanently convert Chandigarh into a Union Territory. “Chandigarh’s position was always meant to be temporary—until it was transferred to Punjab, ” Bajwa said.
The Leader of Opposition also expressed his shock over the silence of Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, on this critical issue. Bajwa suggested that Mann’s inaction points to a tacit approval of the Centre’s policies, calling it a betrayal of the people of Punjab. “The Chief Minister’s silence on this issue raises serious concerns and suggests that he may be collaborating with the BJP to dilute Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh, ” Bajwa remarked.