Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has declared that the state will never surrender its legitimate rights, responding strongly to the central government's decision to withdraw a controversial order that would have transferred administrative control of Chandigarh employees to the central pool.
Centre's Surprise Reversal on Employee Transfer
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs made a significant U-turn on Friday by withdrawing its order dated July 2, which had mandated that employees working in various departments under the Chandigarh administration would now fall under the central government's jurisdiction. This abrupt reversal came after Punjab's vehement opposition to what the state government perceived as an infringement on its rights.
The original order had stated that employees recruited by the Chandigarh administration would now be considered central government employees, a move that Punjab argued would fundamentally alter the character of the Union Territory and undermine the state's historical claims.
Mann's Firm Stance on Punjab's Rights
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann welcomed the Centre's decision to withdraw the controversial order but emphasized that this episode demonstrates why Punjab must remain vigilant about protecting its interests. "Punjab will never relinquish its rights," Mann asserted, making it clear that the state government would continue to oppose any attempts to dilute Punjab's legitimate claims over Chandigarh and other matters.
The Chief Minister credited the central government for listening to the concerns raised by Punjab and taking corrective action. However, he stressed that the incident highlights the ongoing tensions in Centre-state relations and the need for constant vigilance.
Historical Context and Ongoing Disputes
The dispute over Chandigarh employees is part of a larger historical conflict between Punjab and the central government regarding the status of Chandigarh. The city serves as the shared capital of both Punjab and Haryana, a unique arrangement that has been a source of contention since the reorganization of Punjab in 1966.
Punjab has consistently maintained that Chandigarh rightfully belongs to the state and has opposed any measures that would strengthen central control over the Union Territory. The recent order regarding employee transfers was seen as another attempt to erode Punjab's claims, prompting the strong reaction from the Mann-led government.
The Chief Minister's statement reflects the broader political dynamics in the state, where regional parties often position themselves as defenders of Punjab's interests against perceived overreach by the central government. This incident is likely to have significant implications for ongoing negotiations and the political landscape in the region.
As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how the relationship between the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and the BJP-led central government evolves, particularly regarding other pending issues between the state and Centre.
