On 13 Nov, former Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta claimed that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had granted environmental clearance for 12 acres land offered by Haryana to the Chandigarh administration in exchange for land designated for a new Haryana State Assembly complex. The claim led to a political storm in Panjab uniting leaders across party lines to oppose the move. Panjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar as well as AAP, INC, and SAD all expressed strong opposition. Emphasizing Chandigarh’s historical and emotional significance. Jakhar stated the decision ‘emotionally hurt Punjabis as Chandigarh being the capital of Punjab is not merely a (piece of) land. It’s a matter of deep feeling for the people of the state’. Leaders argued that Chandigarh rightfully belongs to Panjab and any such allotment of land undermines Panjab’s rights and autonomy. A delegation of ministers, led by Panjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, submitted a memorandum opposing the move to Panjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria. On 17 Nov, Kataria clarified ‘no land has been allotted to Haryana’. Kataria stated that Haryana had only sent a proposal. Meanwhile, Kisan Mazdoor Morcha and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) (SKM) announced on 18 Nov that if the Union govt. fails to respond to their demands, farmers will march towards Delhi on 6 Dec from the Shambhu border. SKM (Non-Political) Coordinator Jagjit Singh Dallewal previously announced a fast-unto-death protest at Khanauri on the Panjab-Haryana border with Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande, starting 26 Nov.
Like what you're reading? Subscribe to our top stories.
Liv Forum provides a digest of analysis on major issues facing Indian (East) Panjab and Sikhs globally.
In accordance with our Privacy Policy, we will never share or sell the information of our subscribers.
