Bajwa Urges PM Modi to Honour Punjab’s Claim Over Chandigarh

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Punjab, Partap Singh Bajwa, has written an impassioned letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling on him to acknowledge Punjab’s rightful claim over Chandigarh and fulfill longstanding promises made to the state.

In his letter, Bajwa appealed to the Prime Minister’s sense of justice urging him to recognize Chandigarh as Punjab’s exclusive capital.

Bajwa eloquently highlighted the significance of Chandigarh, which was conceived as a symbol of resilience and rebirth for Punjab in the aftermath of Partition. He reminded the Prime Minister that Chandigarh was designed to embody Punjab’s enduring spirit and the aspirations of its people, and that its shared status has long denied Punjab the exclusive custodianship it was promised.

The Congress leader underscored that incremental administrative and territorial moves—such as the application of Central Service Rules and the allocation of land for Haryana’s Vidhan Sabha complex within Chandigarh—are perceived by Punjabis as a dilution of their legitimate claim. Bajwa expressed concern that each such step is eroding the sanctity of promises made to Punjab and weakening the federal spirit of mutual respect.

In his letter, Bajwa emphasized that Punjab, a state known for its valour and loyalty, expects and deserves a decision that respects its heritage and history. He appealed to Prime Minister Modi to act decisively and fulfill the assurances given by his own party colleagues, who have often professed his unique regard for Punjab and its people.

"Restoring Chandigarh as Punjab’s exclusive capital would not only be a gesture of goodwill but would also renew faith in promises honored and the bond of mutual respect," Bajwa wrote. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi will rise to the occasion and honor Punjab’s legacy by restoring its exclusive rights over Chandigarh.

The Congress leader concluded his letter by stating that such a decision would reinforce the people’s trust in the central government and demonstrate true statesmanship by recognizing what is right rather than merely expedient.