Will the Akali Dal's Emergency Meeting Challenge the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill?
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Synopsis
The Shiromani Akali Dal is mobilizing to counter the controversial Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which they view as a direct threat to Punjab's rights over Chandigarh. This emergency meeting could determine the political landscape in Punjab and its relationship with the central government.
Key Takeaways
- Akali Dal to hold emergency meeting against the bill.
- The bill aims to include Chandigarh in Article 240 of the Constitution.
- Punjab's claim over Chandigarh is emphasized as non-negotiable.
- Criticism from AAP leaders regarding the bill's implications.
- Chief Minister vows to resist the central government's actions.
Chandigarh, Nov 23 (NationPress) The Sriomani Akali Dal (SAD), historically one of the BJP's longest-standing allies, declared on Sunday that an urgent core committee meeting will take place to devise a robust and definitive response to what they term the "anti-Punjab" Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill. This bill aims to integrate the Union Territory of Chandigarh into Article 240.
Party President Sukhbir Badal announced the emergency session scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday at the party's headquarters in Chandigarh via a post on X.
He reassured the citizens of Punjab that this "anti-Punjab Bill and blatant assault on the federal structure" will be opposed vigorously by the party, insisting that the Centre's actions will not prevail.
Badal emphasized that Punjab's entitlement to Chandigarh is non-negotiable.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have indicated that the government plans to introduce 'The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2025' during the forthcoming winter session of Parliament, starting on December 1.
This legislation aims to position Chandigarh under the domain of Article 240 of the Constitution, allowing the President to enact regulations for the Union Territory and legislate directly, potentially undermining Punjab's claim to Chandigarh.
In response, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal criticized the Central government's initiative to "strip Punjab of its rights over Chandigarh", labeling it a direct threat to Punjab's identity and constitutional entitlements.
Kejriwal remarked, "This mindset of dismantling the federal structure to seize Punjabis' rights is perilous". He stated, "Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and will remain Punjab's", asserting that such decisions reflect an assault on the spirit of Punjab.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann described the proposed measures as another "draconian move" by the Union government, vowing to resist any "conspiracy of the BJP-led NDA government to appropriate Chandigarh from the state".
Mann firmly stated that Chandigarh is, has been, and will always be an integral part of Punjab. He remarked that the proposed amendment to include the capital city under Article 240 in alignment with other Union territories will not be permitted.
He argued that while every parent state possesses exclusive rights over its capital, Punjab has been subjected to "grave injustice" by being denied its rightful capital.
Mann asserted that there is hardly a parallel in the country where a parent state has been deprived of its capital, emphasizing that Punjab holds the exclusive right to Chandigarh.
Point of View
The unfolding situation highlights the ongoing tension between state and central governance in India. The Akali Dal's reaction to the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill underscores the importance of regional autonomy and identity, while also reflecting broader themes of federalism and constitutional rights in the country.
NationPress
23/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill?
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill aims to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under Article 240, which allows the President to legislate directly for it.
Why is the Akali Dal opposing the bill?
The Akali Dal views the bill as an 'anti-Punjab' move that undermines Punjab's rights over Chandigarh, which they believe is an integral part of their state.
What are the implications of this bill for Punjab?
If passed, the bill could lead to a central appointment of an administrator for Chandigarh, potentially diluting Punjab's claim over the city.
What has Arvind Kejriwal said about the bill?
Kejriwal has criticized the bill as a direct assault on Punjab's identity and rights, calling it a dangerous move against the federal structure.
What position has Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann taken?
Mann has declared that Chandigarh is and will remain an integral part of Punjab, denouncing the proposed changes as unjust.
