CHANDIGARH Indian State’s practice of using Sikh homeland, Punjab as its colony is not ending. With its fresh move of allocating 10 acres of land in its capital Chandigarh to the BJP-led Haryana government for building a Legislative Assembly, the Central government of India has further eroded Punjab’s right to its capital that was snatched from the Sikh State in 1970s and converted into a union territory. 

In recent years, it is the second step of the Central government to weaken the claim of Punjabis over the capital city. In 2022, it changed the service rules for the government employees working in Chandigarh. Earlier, they worked under Punjab’s service rules, but they came under the Central rules later. 

The continuous efforts of the Indian government to further deprive Punjab of its capital not only hurt Punjabis whose fathers and forefathers made sacrifices to get their capital back from the control of Centre, but also brought political storm in Punjab. Political class of the state is united to oppose this move. 

Pertinently, BJP state unit chief Sunil Jakhar has resigned from the post. The Indian government’s anti-Punjab approach and steps including one over Chandigarh are big reasons behind his resignation. 

In a post on X, Jakhar said the Centre’s move to allot the land would “emotionally hurt Punjabis as Chandigarh being the capital of Punjab is not merely a (piece of) land. It’s a matter of deep feeling for the people of the state”.

“I believe that in order to maintain its strong ties with Punjab, the Centre should reconsider its decision to allot land for a separate assembly (to Haryana). I appeal to the PM to personally intervene and cancel this decision,” the state BJP chief posted.

To raise this issue, Congress MLA and leader of opposition in Punjab assembly Partap Singh Bajwa has wrote a meaningful letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

In the letter, he says, “Punjab’s history, as you well appreciate, is a tapestry woven with the sacrifices, resilience, and dreams of its people. Today, I am compelled to write on behalf of Punjab’s citizens, seeking your discernment and sense of historical justice to address a matter of great emotional and symbolic value: the rightful of Chandigarh as Punjab’s exclusive capital”. 

“Chandigarh is not merely a geographical entity. Conceived as a modern capital after Partition’s devastation, this city was a deliberate choice—a testimony to resilience and rebirth in the land of Punjab, intended to symbolize our nation’s highest aspirations. As Punjab rebuilt itself, standing steadfast in times of national adversity, it did so with the promise that Chandigarh would one day be returned solely to its people. You have stated many times your vision of “Team India”, where states and the Centre work in unison to propel the nation forward. In this spirit, I urge you to recognize Punjab’s rightful place in this cooperative vision by addressing the enduring claim over Chandigarh”, he said. 

Bajwa who has also been MP from Gurdaspur, further says, “Your own party leaders, including BJP’s state president, have repeatedly affirmed that you hold a unique regard for the people of Punjab. Their assurances, echoed by many voices in your party, suggest that you see in Punjab not only a state but a cultural bastion of this Republic. With such sentiments expressed, I am certain you can appreciate how recent moves—the application of Central Service Rules, environmental clearance, and steps toward Haryana’s Vidhan Sabha complex—appear to edge this city farther from the people whose sacrifices built it”. 

“From a historical standpoint, promises once made carry a certain sanctity that no government can ignore. Today, we are left wondering Punjab’s claims being so precariously balanced against the rightful claim of Punjabis”, he said. 

He added, “With each incremental encroachment—administrative or territorial—the people of Punjab perceive not simply a dilution of an arrangement, but a shift in respect. They are, by nature, a community steeped in valour and pride, a people whose unyielding loyalty has withstood tests time and again. And yet, it is difficult to reconcile such assurances with actions that seem to prioritize Haryana’s claim to Chandigarh, down to the allotment of prime lands for its Vidhan Sabha complex within Chandigarh’s borders”. 

Meanwhile, Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira who is vocal on Sikh concerns, said, “Allocation of land for Haryana Vidhan Sabha in city beautiful Chandigarh is gross injustice to Punjab as the capital city was built by then Punjab Cm Partap Singh Kairon by uprooting Punjabi speaking villages of Kharar Tehsil and not an inch of now Haryana land was acquired for it ! I strongly condemn such high handedness with Punjab by BJP govt ignoring the historical perspective of Punjab”. 

Though Akali Dal, which is under the control of Badals whose integrity towards Punjab and Sikhs has remained under questions, has merely made a statement. This party had been spearheading morchas (agitations) to reinstate Chandigarh as capital of Punjab solely, has given no programe to the community to fight against this move. 

Though leaders of other parties have strongly opposed the move, their reins are in the hands of their bosses who sit in Delhi. These parties are central parties and cannot afford enraging people of Haryana by taking any tough stand against this move. Secondly, Congress is responsible for depriving Punjab of its capital. So, Congress, as a party, can do nothing in this direction. The AAP also has political interests in Haryana which does not want Chandigarh to be given to Punjab. 

On the other hand, Centre is increasing its control over the Panjab University in Chandigarh, which comes in the jurisdiction of Punjab. It is not holding elections for the university senate under a conspiracy to snatch this prominent and highly reputed educational institution from the hands of Punjab. Not holding the elections directly goes against the interests of Punjab and its culture. 

Hardeep Singh