Chandigarh, 14 November : Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Punjab, Partap Singh Bajwa, has written an impassioned letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling on him to acknowledge Punjab’s rightful claim over Chandigarh and fulfil longstanding promises made to the state.

In his letter, Bajwa appealed to the Prime Minister’s sense of justice urging him to recognise Chandigarh as Punjab’s exclusive capital.

Bajwa highlighted Chandigarh’s significance as a symbol of resilience and rebirth for Punjab after Partition. He reminded the Prime Minister that designers intended Chandigarh to embody Punjab’s enduring spirit and the aspirations of its people, and noted that its shared status has long denied Punjab the exclusive custodianship it was promised.

The Congress leader emphasised that Punjabis perceive incremental administrative and territorial moves, such as the application of Central Service Rules and the allocation of land for Haryana’s Vidhan Sabha complex within Chandigarh, as a dilution of their legitimate claim. Furthermore, Bajwa expressed concern that each such step not only erodes the sanctity of promises made to Punjab but also weakens the federal spirit of mutual respect, thereby deepening the sense of injustice among the people of the state.

In his letter, Bajwa emphasised that Punjab, a state known for its valour and loyalty, expects and deserves a decision that respects its heritage and history. He appealed to Prime Minister Modi to act decisively and fulfill the assurances given by his own party colleagues, who have often professed his unique regard for Punjab and its people.

“Restoring Chandigarh as Punjab’s exclusive capital would not only be a gesture of goodwill but would also renew faith in promises honored and the bond of mutual respect,” Bajwa wrote. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Modi will rise to the occasion and honor Punjab’s legacy by restoring its exclusive rights over Chandigarh.

The Congress leader concluded his letter by stating that, in doing so, such a decision would not only reinforce the people’s trust in the central government but also demonstrate true statesmanship. He emphasized that this would involve recognising what is right, rather than merely what is expedient.