A statement from newly-appointed BJP Punjab state president Sunil Jakhar has once again stirred up the issue of Haryana’s new legislative assembly building. State president Jakhar, in a statement in Jalandhar, said that Chandigarh belongs to Punjab. “Forget 10 acres, we will not give them even an inch of land,” he continued. Jakhar also urged the central government not to indulge in trespassing.
In response, Haryana’s Education Minister Kanwar Pal Gurjar said that Chandigarh is a shared capital and “we are stakeholders in Chandigarh as well.” “Moreover, our legislative assembly does not have sufficient space, and there won’t be enough room for legislators after delimitation. In this regard, if the central government has granted permission, I see no problem. However, if the central government refuses, then who will encroach upon the land? Let them clarify. I do not consider this statement appropriate, and I am not aware of the problem it poses for Punjab. Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, or anyone else should not take offence from this.”
Taking a dig at the Opposition’s meeting in Bengaluru, Pal stated, “Their unity is such that pieces of their heart have shattered, some falling here, some falling there. If the Congress cannot gather unity within their own party, how can they stand with others? Congress used to be a powerful party before, but now it is not in a position to lead. It is impossible for them to unite in a short time.”