AAP Rejects Central Government's Decision to Change Advisor Role to Chief Secretary in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Jan 8 (NationPress) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab expressed its disapproval on Wednesday regarding the Central government’s resolution to replace the role of an Advisor with a Chief Secretary in Chandigarh.

The party criticized this move as a clear indication of the Central government’s anti-Punjab stance.

“This is an endeavor to undermine Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh,” stated party spokesperson Neel Garg during a media briefing.

He pointed out that the position of Chief Secretary typically pertains to a state.

“Chandigarh is neither a state nor does it have a Chief Minister. So, what necessitates the appointment of a Chief Secretary?”

Garg emphasized that the citizens of Punjab would not accept this decision lightly and urged the Central government to reflect and retract its decision.

He reiterated that Chandigarh “rightfully belongs to Punjab.” He referenced the agreement made during the bifurcation of Punjab and Haryana in 1966, which stated that Chandigarh would remain a Union Territory until Haryana established its own capital, after which it would revert to Punjab. In 1970, Haryana was allocated ₹10 crore to develop its capital. Other states in India have successfully established their capitals post-division, yet Punjab continues to face discrimination.

He added that, from a historical, political, and social perspective, Chandigarh is a part of Punjab. The city was constructed by displacing 27 villages in Punjab.

Consequently, the Central government should refrain from making significant decisions without engaging with the Punjab government.

Garg reminded that just months prior, the Central government had suggested allocating 10 acres in Chandigarh for Haryana to construct an Assembly, which further compromised Punjab’s claim over the region.

After opposition from the people of Punjab and AAP, this proposal was put on hold.

He also noted the infringement of Punjab's rights in the appointments at BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board).

“Such actions have delayed Senate elections at Panjab University, and Punjab's water rights are being exploited. The Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord from July 24, 1985, explicitly stated that Chandigarh would be transferred to Punjab, and Punjab’s water would remain with Punjab, yet this has not been honored,” he remarked.

Garg further criticized the Congress and the Akali Dal, pointing out that from 1966 to 1977, Indira Gandhi served as Prime Minister while Giani Zail Singh was Punjab's Chief Minister from 1972 to 1977.

If they had wished, they could have transferred Chandigarh to Punjab during that period.

Similarly, from 1980 to 1984, Indira Gandhi was once more Prime Minister and Darbara Singh was the Chief Minister of Punjab, yet the Congress neglected this matter.

During the Beant Singh government from 1992 to 1995, under the Narasimha Rao administration, no progress was made on this front. Even after the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord, no achievements were realized.

In 1977, Parkash Singh Badal took over as Chief Minister of Punjab and served multiple terms. In 2002, he was Chief Minister while Vajpayee was Prime Minister, both being allies.

“Despite having a strong rapport with Vajpayee, Badal did not pursue any actions concerning Chandigarh,” Garg stated.

He called on all political factions to unify on this matter, asserting that it is essential to vigorously advocate for Punjab’s rights.