Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Partap Bajwa condemns Modi Govt's decision to re-appoint Chandigarh Advisor as Chief Secretary; Watch Video
Ramesh Goyat
Chandigarh, January 8, 2025: Punjab Opposition Leader Partap Singh Bajwa has strongly condemned the Modi government's recent decision to re-appoint Advisor to the Chandigarh Administrator as Chief Secretary, calling it a direct attack on Punjab's legitimate claim over the city.
Bajwa slammed the move, saying it was a deliberate attempt to weaken Punjab's position and marginalise the Punjabi community, which he believed was part of a broader agenda to weaken the state.
Bajwa emphasised that this is not a mere administrative change but a strategic move by the Centre to further dilute the rights of Punjab. “Chandigarh, carved out of Punjab villages, has always been a part of Punjab’s legitimate claim. This move is an attack on the dignity of Punjab and a violation of the principles of federalism,” Bajwa said.
He also highlighted the Centre’s previous move to create a separate cadre for Chandigarh Union Territory, further diluting the 60:40 officer posting ratio between Punjab and Haryana.
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Bajwa said, "The creation of a separate cadre for Chandigarh by the Centre is another step towards reducing Punjab's share in the city. The decision undermines the long-standing practice that has ensured equal representation for both Punjab and Haryana in the Chandigarh administration."
Furthermore, Bajwa pointed out that the Centre's decision to abolish the post of adviser and replace it with the post of chief secretary, following Delhi's example, indicates a broader effort to turn Chandigarh into a Union Territory permanently.
"The Chandigarh post was always temporary - until it was transferred to Punjab," Bajwa said.
The opposition leader also expressed surprise at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's silence on this crucial issue. Bajwa suggested that Mann's inaction indicates tacit acceptance of the Centre's policies, calling it a betrayal of the people of Punjab. "The chief minister's silence on this issue raises serious concerns and indicates that he is collaborating with the BJP to weaken Punjab's claim on Chandigarh," Bajwa said.