NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that there are no plans to change the governance or administrative structure of Chandigarh. This statement comes in response to a political uproar regarding a proposal to bring Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution, which would allow the President to appoint a lieutenant governor and legislate directly for the Union Territory (UT).

The MHA stated that the proposal is still under consideration and aims to simplify the law-making process for Chandigarh. "No final decision has been taken on this proposal," the ministry said, adding that it does not intend to alter the existing arrangements between Chandigarh and the states of Punjab and Haryana.

The clarification was necessary after political leaders in Punjab expressed strong concerns, viewing the proposal as an infringement on Punjab's rights over Chandigarh. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the move, calling it a "conspiracy to snatch" Punjab’s capital, asserting that "Chandigarh was, is, and will always remain an integral part of the state."

The proposal, if implemented, could lead to the appointment of an independent administrator for Chandigarh, similar to past arrangements. This has drawn opposition from various political parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal described the proposed amendment as "a direct assault on Punjab’s identity and its constitutional rights," claiming it undermines the federal structure.

The MHA reassured that any decision regarding the proposal will be made after thorough consultations with all stakeholders, emphasizing that there is no need for concern. The ministry confirmed that it does not plan to introduce any related bill in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament, aiming to maintain the current governance framework of Chandigarh, which serves as a shared capital for Punjab and Haryana since 1966.