The move to set up Haryana’s new assembly complex in Chandigarh, the joint capital for Punjab and Haryana, has set off a political controversy in the region. The political parties in Punjab have decried the move saying it was affront to Punjab’s demands and sentiment.
Currently, Punjab and Haryana share the Vidhan Sabha complex in Chandigarh. The Union territory offered 10 acres to Haryana last year to set up its own assembly. The move gained traction as the union environment ministry reportedly granted environmental clearance for 12-acre land given by the Haryana government to the Chandigarh administration in lieu of 10 acres for the complex.
The reactions came fast from all the parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party’s former state chief Sunil Jhakhar who said it will not go down well with the Punjabis. Even Akali Dal, Congress and ruling AAP reacted sharply to it.
The issue is controversial as Punjab has always staked claim over Chandigarh since the state was bifurcated in 1966 after the Punjabi Suba movement which demanded a state on linguistic basis. The parliament passed a law in 1966 under which Haryana came into being and Chandigarh was made joint capital and provisional Union territory. The claim over Chandigarh has featured in political demands for several decades and it is linked to strong regional sentiments.
Now, when Haryana get to establish a new assembly complex, the political parties in Punjab feel that it would dilute its claim over the capital as it was promised that the newly formed city, designed by Le Corbusier, would be handed over to Punjab after Haryana sets up its own capital.
Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema said Chandigarh was carved out by taking villages from the state. “If Haryana wanted to set up a separate assembly, it can do so in Panchkula. It is an unconstitutional move, we will oppose it.”
AAP spokesperson Neel Garg said the state government will explore means legal and political to challenge this. Punjabis will not accept it, we call everyone for a joint struggle against this move.”
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa termed the move as divisive. The issue has a potential of turning into a big political issue in the state, pitting all parties against the Centre. The issue has gained traction ahead of bypolls to six seats in the state, to be held on November 20. The BJP has fielded candidates on these seats, while Akali Dal is not contesting. The issue may have an impact on these polls and its result may be visible during the counting on November 23.
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