Chandigarh, January 8 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab strongly opposed the central government’s decision. They criticized the appointment of a Chief Secretary in Chandigarh instead of an Advisor. The party stated that this decision once again exposes the anti-Punjab attitude of the central government. It is an attempt to weaken Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh.

Neel Garg Criticizes Chief Secretary Appointment

Senior AAP leader and spokesperson Neel Garg spoke during a press conference at the Chandigarh party office on Wednesday. He stated that the appointment of a Chief Secretary is meant for a state. Chandigarh is not a state, nor does it have a Chief Minister. Then why was there a need for the appointment of a Chief Secretary? He said that the people of Punjab will never tolerate this decision. The central government should reconsider and withdraw the decision.

Chief Secretary : Chandigarh Belongs to Punjab

The AAP spokesperson said that Chandigarh belongs to Punjab. The division of Punjab and Haryana in 1966 clearly stated that Chandigarh will stay a Union Territory. This status will continue until Haryana builds its new capital. After that, Punjab will receive it. In 1970, Haryana also received ₹10 crore to build its capital. “Several states in India have divided and established their respective capitals, but Punjab continues to face discrimination.”

Central Government Should Consult Punjab Before Decisions

He added that historically, politically, and socially, Chandigarh belongs to Punjab. “Uprooting 27 villages of Punjab, they built Chandigarh.”Therefore, the central government should not make any major decisions without consulting the Punjab government. He recalled a proposal from a few months ago. The central government had proposed to allocate 10 acres of land in Chandigarh for Haryana to build an assembly. This would further weaken Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh. However, the people of Punjab and AAP strongly opposed it, so they temporarily shelved the proposal.

“The appointments at BBMB violated Punjab’s rights.”

Similarly, actions violated Punjab’s rights in the appointments at BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board). These actions also delayed the Senate elections at Punjab University. People are plundering Punjab’s water rights as well. The Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord on July 24, 1985, stated that Punjab would receive Chandigarh and that Punjab’s water would remain with Punjab. However, this has not been implemented to date.

Garg also criticized Congress and the Akali Dal

Garg also criticized Congress and the Akali Dal. He stated that from 1966 to 1977, Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India. Giani Zail Singh was the Chief Minister of Punjab from 1972 to 1977. During that time, if they had wanted, they could have handed over Chandigarh to Punjab. Similarly, from 1980 to 1984, Indira Gandhi was again the Prime Minister. Darbara Singh was the Congress Chief Minister of Punjab then. However, Congress did not pay attention to this issue at that time. From 1992 to 1995, Beant Singh’s government was in Punjab. Narasimha Rao’s government was in power at the center. Yet, nothing was done then either. Even after the Rajiv Gandhi-Longowal Accord, nothing could be achieved.

we must fight resolutely for Punjab’s rights.

  In 1977, Parkash Singh Badal became the Chief Minister of Punjab and served multiple terms. In 2002, he was the Chief Minister when Vajpayee was the Prime Minister, and they were allies. Despite having a good friendship with Vajpayee, Badal did not take any steps for Chandigarh. Garg appealed to all political parties. He urged them to unite on this issue. He stated that we must fight resolutely for Punjab’s rights.