Chandigarh, 20 November 2024: Haryana’s proposal to construct an additional Vidhan Sabha complex in Chandigarh sparked heated exchanges during the Haryana Assembly’s winter session on Tuesday. Speaker Harvinder Kalyan urged legislators to approach the matter with unity and seriousness.
“This is a very serious issue. It cannot be discussed casually,” Kalyan stated, calling for an all-party meeting to establish a unified stance. He also requested Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to address the House on the matter.
The controversy stems from Haryana’s long-standing demand for additional space in Chandigarh, a shared capital with Punjab. Chief Minister Saini reaffirmed the necessity of the project, citing the anticipated increase in assembly members after the 2026 delimitation exercise. “We need to remain united on this issue,” Saini remarked, emphasizing the need for cooperation across party lines.
Saini also criticized Punjab’s leaders for their opposition to Haryana’s demands, labeling their remarks on the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal and Chandigarh land allocation as “provocative.” “Punjab’s leadership should focus on addressing issues like stubble burning and providing MSP to farmers, as Haryana does,” he added.
Congress leader Ashok Arora extended support to the government, assuring the opposition’s cooperation. However, he condemned Punjab’s stance, describing their resistance as “irresponsible” and “unfortunate.” Addressing reporters later, Saini reiterated Haryana’s rightful claim over Chandigarh and highlighted Punjab’s need for larger assembly facilities after delimitation.
Historical Context and Latest Developments
The dispute over Chandigarh deepened following a Union environment ministry notification on November 11, which designated an area of 1km to 2.035km around Haryana’s Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone. The sanctuary lies within the ecologically fragile Shivalik foothills and falls under the administrative control of Chandigarh.
Haryana offered 12 acres in Panchkula to Chandigarh’s UT administration in exchange for 10 acres in Chandigarh for the assembly complex. However, Punjab remains opposed, arguing that Chandigarh, as the shared capital, is integral to Punjab’s identity.
The roots of this conflict trace back to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s announcement at the 2021 Northern Zone Council meeting, where he proposed land allocation to Haryana for the assembly. Punjab has since maintained its objection, citing political and territorial implications.
Haryana officials argue the current assembly, housing 90 MLAs, is insufficient for the state’s growing needs. Post-delimitation, the number of MLAs is expected to rise to 126, alongside 14 Lok Sabha constituencies. The state also demands Punjab vacate 20 rooms in the existing assembly building under the 60:40 asset-sharing formula.
Haryana clarified that constructing a new assembly does not diminish its claim to its rightful share in the existing Vidhan Sabha building, also occupied by Punjab. With both states holding firm to their positions, the Chandigarh land dispute remains a politically sensitive issue.
