Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann on Friday moved a resolution in the assembly seeking immediately transfer Chandigarh to Punjab. After getting support from Congress, Akali and BSP leaders, the resolution gets approved in the Punjab Assembly.
CM Bhagwant Mann is all set to implement this step further. He will soon meet PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard.
The big move by Mr. Mann two weeks after he took over as Chief Minister comes amid the ongoing tussle between the centre and Punjab to control the Union Territory which serves as the capital of Punjab and neighbouring Haryana.
However, BJP MLAs opposed Mr. Mann. “I doubt the intention of the CM's proposal. I oppose it,” said BJP MLA Ashwini Sharma. On the other hand, Congress leader Tript Bajwa said, “entire Punjab is tested by the BJP's effort on the Chandigarh issue. Everyone has to go through this together. He said that the CM should decide whether to hold a dharna or to meet the PM, we are together.”
Chandigarh has the status of a Union Territory. Chandigarh was earlier the capital of Punjab only. But in 1966, when Haryana was given the status of a separate state, Chandigarh was made the joint capital of Haryana and Punjab.
“The Chandigarh administration has always been managed by the officers of Punjab and Haryana in the ratio of 60:40. However, recently, the Centre has posted officers from outside in Chandigarh and has introduced the Central Civil Service Rules for the employees of the Chandigarh administration, which goes completely against the understanding in the past,” said Mann while moving the resolution in the Assembly on Friday.