Written by Raakhi JaggaLudhiana | November 23, 2025 03:57 PM IST 3 min readThe MHA's clarification comes hours after the state BJP held a core committee meeting on Sunday morning, in which members unanimously resolved to protect Punjab’s interests. (File Photo)Amid rising political furore in Punjab over the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill on Chandigarh, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clarified on Sunday that the proposal to “simplify the process of lawmaking for the Union Territory” was still under consideration and that no final decision had been taken.The ministry wrote in a post on X, “The proposal to simplify the process of law-making for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is currently under consideration at the level of the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal. The proposal does not, in any way, intend to change the governance or administrative arrangement of Chandigarh, nor does it seek to alter the traditional relationship of Chandigarh with Punjab or Haryana. Any decision will be taken only after adequate consultation with all stakeholders, keeping the interests of Chandigarh in mind. There is no need for concern regarding this matter. The Central Government has no intention of introducing any bill on this subject in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament.”The proposal only to simplify the Central Government’s law-making process for the Union Territory of Chandigarh is still under consideration with the Central Government. No final decision has been taken on this proposal. The proposal in no way seeks to alter Chandigarh’s…— PIB – Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) November 23, 2025Reacting to the clarification, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said, “It’s good that the confusion has been cleared about the constitutional amendment regarding Chandigarh. For every Punjabi, Chandigarh is not merely a piece of land or geography but a very emotional issue. Emotions of Punjab cannot be ignored to facilitate the administrative requirements of Chandigarh. Chandigarh is an integral part of Punjab, and BJP Punjab’s resolve to uphold the state’s structural framework and fabric is unshakable. Punjab BJP stands firmly with the interests of the state, whether it is the issue of Chandigarh or the waters of Punjab. As a Punjabi myself, I assure you that for us, Punjab always comes first.”The clarification comes hours after the state BJP held a core committee meeting on Sunday morning, in which members unanimously resolved to protect Punjab’s interests and seek the withdrawal of the proposed amendment. Jakhar also said he intended to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the issue.Second such incident within a monthThis is the second such incident within a month in which the Centre has backtracked on a proposed notification or amendment affecting Punjab. Earlier, on October 28, the Union Ministry of Education issued a controversial notification over Panjab University’s senate, reducing its size from 90 to 31 members and converting the partly elected syndicate into a largely nominated body. Following protests, the notification was withdrawn on November 4, but student unions continue to demand the announcement of fresh senate election dates.“Such steps cause an embarrassing situation for the state BJP, as we have to face the public. We wish the Union Government had consulted us on decisions related to the state,” said a senior BJP leader on the condition of anonymity.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:chandigarhMinistry of Home Affairs