Jag Mohan Thaken, Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has taken a strong stance against Haryana’s plan to build a new Legislative Assembly complex in Chandigarh. Citing longstanding claims by Punjab to the city, AAP leaders argued that the decision not only disregards Punjab’s rights but also undermines historical agreements.
AAP’s Stand on Chandigarh: “A Conspiracy Against Punjab”
AAP MLA and former minister Anmol Gagan Maan led the charge, questioning the government’s rationale for situating Haryana’s Assembly in Chandigarh, especially when 12 acres in Panchkula have been offered to the Chandigarh administration. Maan pointed to a historical promise from 1966, when Punjab and Haryana were bifurcated, which stated that Chandigarh would eventually revert to Punjab. She insisted that Chandigarh, built on the lands of 22 Punjab villages, rightfully belongs to Punjab.
“This move suggests Haryana’s intention to stake a permanent claim over Chandigarh,” she argued, calling it “a serious conspiracy against Punjab” and vowing that AAP will resist the decision across various forums.
Comparing with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Highlighting perceived injustices, Maan compared the Chandigarh issue to the resolution of the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana split in 2014, which swiftly established Hyderabad as Telangana’s capital and designated Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh’s future capital with central funding support. This year, the Union government allocated substantial funds for Amaravati’s development, a gesture Maan says is lacking for Punjab.
She questioned why Punjab hasn’t received similar treatment and financial aid, suggesting that the decision to build Haryana’s Assembly in Chandigarh demonstrates a bias.
A Call for Accountability from Major Parties
Maan further criticized the BJP and Congress, accusing both parties of neglecting Punjab’s claim to Chandigarh during their respective terms in office. She highlighted that from 2014 to 2017, the BJP held power in Haryana, Punjab, and at the central level, yet took no action to resolve the issue. Maan alleged that both parties, instead of prioritizing Punjab’s interests, contributed to delays and confusion regarding Chandigarh’s status.
In a strong closing statement, she emphasized that AAP will continue to oppose this move, advocating for Punjab’s rights and urging a fair resolution to the Chandigarh dispute.
