Centre provoking Punjab by reopening sensitive issues, must hand over Chandigarh to state: MP Meet Hayer
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, December 4, 2025 — Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Wednesday issued a sharp warning to the Central Government, accusing it of repeatedly “testing the patience of Punjabis” by reopening long-standing sensitive matters. These include Chandigarh’s status, the centralisation of Panjab University, the dismantling of the University Senate and electorate, and proposals to convert Chandigarh into a Union Territory governed by a Lieutenant Governor.
Meet Hayer said the Centre should honour its historic commitment that Chandigarh—built as Punjab’s capital—must be fully transferred to the state. “Punjab remains the only state in India without its own capital. This is a grave injustice to a state that made immense sacrifices for the nation and guaranteed India’s food security,” he said.
He pointed out that the Governor of Punjab currently also serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh and that many key officers posted in the city are from Punjab. “Despite this, the Centre is attempting to distance Chandigarh from Punjab. We strongly oppose such moves,” he asserted.
Responding to questions on remarks by Akali leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Meet Hayer hit back, saying every Punjabi knows under whose governments synthetic drugs like chitta expanded and whose associates’ names repeatedly surfaced in drug probes. He condemned her “shocking” support for greater BSF control in Punjab. “For decades, MPs from all parties fought for the state’s federal rights. Akali Dal once championed state autonomy. But today, at the BJP’s behest, they want to hand Punjab’s authority to the Centre,” he said.
He accused the Akali Dal of striking an undisclosed deal with the BJP. “Those who failed to protect Punjab earlier now want to give away its powers. Punjabis deserve to know why,” he added.
Meet Hayer said Punjab Police acts swiftly against any criminal or disruptive elements operating inside the state. For criminals hiding in other states, jails outside Punjab or abroad, he said the state government is coordinating closely with Central agencies to dismantle their networks completely.
Commenting on Akali Dal’s objections to local body elections, he said Punjabis have not forgotten how local polls were “captured” during the previous Akali government, with entire districts recording zero opposition nominations. “Today the situation is reversed. Akali Dal cannot even find candidates—villagers refuse to contest on their ticket. That is the real reason behind their allegations,” he said.