Renewed Punjab-Haryana Dispute Over Chandigarh Land Allocation

The quarrel between the states of Punjab and Haryana over their capital, Chandigarh that is more than three decades old has emerged again. This time this issue was sparked following reports that the central government has resolved to permit the Haryana government to acquire ten acres of land in the city of Chandigarh for developing a distinct Assembly compound. The change has brought political strife as leaders from both states come forward and lay their claims on the union territory.

Similar lines have been endorsed, including Nayab Singh Saini of Congress, who have described this decision as long overdue and necessary especially in view of Haryana’s demand for it own assembly complex since the time of bifurcation of Punjab in 1966. They cut across the fact that due to the restriction that it is the joint capital the Chandigarh has not properly served the administrative purpose of Haryana. Saini asked the leaders of Punjab not to make political out of it and try to find solution in a collaborative manner.

While on the other hand the Punjab’s ruling party Aam Aadmi Party AAP strongly against the decision. The AAP presented an objection note against Haryana’s moving citing that it breaches the provisions of Punjab sovereignty over the city of Chandigarh. The matter has even worsened the ill relationship between the two states basing on political expulsions and politicking.

Adding another angle to the story is the fresh ignite of the SYL Canal issue. Originally built to supply water to both Punjab and Haryana it has been a point of conflict for a long time Punjab demanding more water and Haryana demanding its due. This overlapping constitutes another dimension to the current controversy.

At base, the Chandigarh conflict is thus largely emblematic of broader issues of derailer to India’s cooperative federal system. Conflicts of this nature of between two or more states call for a clear listing of legal provisions to resolve the actual claims which if resolved through the political and social media may lead to worsening of the conflict.

Relevance: This topic is important for SSC and UPSC aspirants as it covers topics on state politics, inter state relations, federal structure & governance. Which is why to comprehend such a conflict is important for gaining insights into the functioning of the Indian political and administrative structures.