Political Uproar Over Chandigarh Advisor's Rechristening Sparks Controversy

The Centre’s renaming of Chandigarh’s Advisor post as Chief Secretary has drawn criticism from AAP, Congress, and SAD, who view it as undermining Punjab’s claim over the Union Territory. Opposition leaders called the move anti-federal and demanded its reversal, asserting Chandigarh’s historical and constitutional ties with Punjab.

The Central government’s decision to rename the post of Advisor to the Chandigarh Administrator as Chief Secretary has sparked strong criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). The parties condemned the move as an attack on Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh, accusing the Centre of undermining federal principles.

AAP leader Neel Garg argued that designating a Chief Secretary is unnecessary for a Union Territory, emphasizing Chandigarh’s historical connection to Punjab. He criticized the Centre for ignoring Punjab’s sentiments, highlighting that Chandigarh was developed on land acquired from Punjab. Garg also accused the government of advancing an “anti-Punjab agenda” by marginalizing the state’s stake.

Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa labeled the decision a deliberate strategy to weaken Punjab’s rights over the Union Territory. He underscored the historic 60:40 officer-sharing ratio between Punjab and Haryana and expressed concerns over the Centre's move to raise a separate cadre for Chandigarh. Bajwa said such actions erode Punjab’s representation and violate federalism.

Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal called the move unjustified, reiterating that Chandigarh was intended to be transferred to Punjab. Badal criticized the Centre for revisiting settled issues regarding Punjab's territorial and administrative rights, including the unresolved transfer of Punjabi-speaking areas.

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The opposition parties collectively demanded the Centre reverse its decision, warning against attempts to “permanently Unionize” Chandigarh. They vowed to protect Punjab’s historical, social, and constitutional claims over the city.