Punjab Newsline, Amritsar, January 8-
Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of Opposition, has strongly denounced the Modi government’s recent
decision to re-designate the Chandigarh Administrator’s Adviser as Chief Secretary, calling it a direct attack
on Punjab’s legitimate claim over the city. Bajwa criticized this move as a deliberate attempt to weaken
Punjab’s position and marginalize the Punjabi community, which he believes is part of a broader agenda to
undermine the state.
Bajwa emphasized that this is not merely an administrative change, but a strategic move
by the Centre to further dilute Punjab’s rights. “Chandigarh, which was carved from Punjab’s villages, has
always been a part of Punjab’s rightful claim. This move is an assault on Punjab’s dignity and a violation of the
principles of federalism,” said Bajwa.
He also highlighted the earlier move by the Centre to raise a separate
cadre for the Union Territory of Chandigarh, further weakening the 60:40 officer posting ratio between Punjab
and Haryana. “The Centre’s creation of a separate cadre for Chandigarh was another step in diluting Punjab’s
stake in the city.