The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has vehemently opposed the proposed allotment of 10 acres of land in Chandigarh to Haryana for the separate legislative assembly: this is termed as a “conspiracy against Punjab and Punjabis.”
SAD leaders said that the move is not only an administrative one but also a designed attempt to alter the boundary lines of Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory. They said no power can alter the boundary of a State or a Union Territory except Parliament, not even the Home Ministry or the Chandigarh Administrator. SAD said such land transfer is a violation of the state’s legal and historical rights without parliamentary sanction.
BJP Punjab President Sunil Jakhar slammed the the land allocation, and stated, “Chandigarh is very much important part of the identity of Punjab.”. More recently, while pleading directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through social media to withdraw this decision and personally intervene, Jakhar feels that this can unnecessarily strain Punjab’s relations with the Centre, a situation that will do irreparable damage to its cultural and religious identity. Speaking on the matter, Jakhar further asked how Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had permitted the demand by Haryana for a separate assembly in Chandigarh. He further said that when the issue was brought up during the Northern Zonal Council meeting in Jaipur, Mann had allegedly urged land from Haryana to construct Punjab’s assembly instead of opposing the Haryana’s demand. The Jakhar described this as an indication of inexperience that may weaken the claim of Punjab on Chandigarh.
Meanwhile, SAD leaders reconfirmed that they are following the developments closely and consulting legal experts on further action, “fighting the proposal from all sides”. The party expressed frustration with the silence of Chief Minister Mann and Jakhar. “Their absence has weakened the stance of Punjab and emboldens Haryana’s ambitions”, they argued.
SAD leaders have termed Chandigarh’s importance to the state as more than just geographical, it holds great cultural and historical value. SAD has promised not to let the land of Chandigarh be transferred to other states and continues to maintain a connection between Punjab and the Union Territory, whereas Jakhar said this is of mutual interest for all parties of Punjab.
