Pawan Sharma
The dispute between Punjab and Haryana over Chandigarh has heated up again. The leaders of both states are questioning their identity, while the central government’s decision has further intensified this conflict. Punjab has expressed strong opposition to the plan to create a new Haryana assembly in Chandigarh. The issue of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and the land issue have also been added to this dispute, so the matter has become complicated.
Punjab’s aggressive stance
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema met Chandigarh Administrator and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and said, “Chandigarh is a part of Punjab. We will not give even an inch of land to Haryana. This is our legacy.”
Targeting Haryana, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “Haryana will first have to clear up the SYL issue. Chandigarh belonged to Punjab, is and will remain so.”
All political parties in Punjab are united on this issue and oppose the plan for a new Haryana assembly.
Haryana’s counter-attack: We have equal rights in Chandigarh
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini came down heavily on Bhagwant Mann and said, “Punjab should stop misleading people. “Haryana has as much right over Chandigarh as Punjab.”
Haryana Minister Anil Vij challenged: “Punjab can call Chandigarh its own only if it gives us water from SYL and Hindi-speaking areas. Until this happens, we have control over Chandigarh.”
BJP leader Kiran Choudhary also demanded the central government to implement the 60:40 ratio and strengthen Haryana’s claim on its share.
History of Chandigarh and root of the controversy.
At the time of reorganization of Punjab in 1966, Chandigarh became the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana.
•Punjab side: Chandigarh is the historical capital of Punjab and temporarily became a common capital after partition in 1966.
• Haryana side: Haryana also has equal rights in Chandigarh. The terms of administration and distribution of resources under the 60:40 ratio have not yet been implemented.
Land proposal for new assembly
In July 2022, the Central government approved handing over 10 acres of land in Chandigarh for the new Haryana Assembly.
•Under this plan, 12 acres of land will be taken from Haryana near Panchkula’s Mansa Devi complex.
•Due to lack of space and resources in the erstwhile Punjab and Haryana assemblies, a plan has been drawn up to increase the seats of both the states.
But this proposal has become the center of controversy and Punjab is considering it against its claim on Chandigarh.
What does the SYL controversy say?
Along with the Chandigarh dispute, the SYL channel issue is also burning.
•Punjab’s stance: Punjab says it already has water shortage and cannot supply water to Haryana.
•Haryana argument: As per Supreme Court decision, Punjab will have to share SYL water.
Deepening political clouds.
The ever-rising tension between Punjab and Haryana over issues like Chandigarh and SYL has heated up the political atmosphere.
•Punjab: Attack Haryana to protect its land and water.
•Haryana: Aggressive about its rights over Chandigarh and SYL.
•Central Government: The challenge of creating a balance between the two states.
What is the way forward?
This fight for control of Chandigarh is not only a challenge for Punjab and Haryana but also a big test for the central government. It remains to be seen whether the issue of SYL channel and assembly building will be resolved or the political fight between the two states will intensify.
