Parliament is set for a heated Winter Session as the central government initially planned to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 from December 1, 2025. The proposal immediately sparked sharp criticism from Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party and leaders such as Congress’ Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. However, the Centre later issued a statement clarifying that it has “no intention” of bringing any bill related to Chandigarh’s administration in the upcoming session.
What the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 Proposes
The bill listed in the Rajya Sabha bulletin aims to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This would place the region in the same category as Union Territories without their own legislatures, allowing the President to frame regulations for its governance. Article 240 currently applies to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Puducherry.
Other Legislative Changes Introduced Earlier
Separately, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025. It sets provisions for removing a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or other ministers at the Centre or state level if they are arrested for serious criminal charges and remain in custody for 30 consecutive days. These rules also extend to Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir.
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Grounds for removal: The minister must be booked for an offense with possible imprisonment of five years or more and be in custody for 30 days.
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Procedure: The President removes a central minister on the advice of the Prime Minister, while a Governor acts for state ministers on the Chief Minister’s advice. If the advice is not given by the 31st day, the minister automatically loses office.
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For Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers: They must resign by the 31st day, failing which they also cease to hold office.
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No restriction on reappointment: Once released from custody, the minister may be appointed again.
How the Amendment Could Change Chandigarh’s Governance
If enacted, the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill would allow the President to regulate Chandigarh’s administration directly. Many observers believe this could pave the way for the appointment of a Lieutenant Governor to run the Union Territory, replacing the current system in which the Governor of Punjab serves as Chandigarh’s administrator.
Also Read: Centre Denies Plan to Table Chandigarh Bill in Winter Session
Strong Opposition from Leaders in Punjab
Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly opposed the move, alleging that the Centre was attempting to take control of Punjab’s capital. He stated, “This amendment is against the interests of Punjab. We will not allow the conspiracy being hatched by the Central Government against Punjab to succeed in any way. Chandigarh, built by razing our Punjab’s villages, belongs solely to Punjab. We will not let our right slip away just like that. For this, we will take whatever steps are necessary.”
Congress leader Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also criticized the proposal, calling it “totally uncalled for” and warned that “Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and any attempt to snatch it away will have serious repercussions”.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal condemned the bill, saying it was “against the interest of Punjab” and that passing it “would amount to the GOI going back on all commitments made to Punjab regarding the transfer of Chandigarh to the state.” He added that previous governments had already “deprived us of our capital city,” and that this move could eliminate Punjab’s remaining administrative and political control over Chandigarh permanently.
