BJP Leader Kalia Challenge Chandigarh Land Transfer to Haryana

In a significant development, BJP's internal unity faces challenges as another senior leader joins the opposition to the Chandigarh land transfer. Following BJP Punjab chief Sunil Jakhar's appeal to the Prime Minister, former minister Manoranjan Kalia has now written to Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, urging intervention in the 12-acre land allocation to Haryana. 

Historical Context and Legal Framework 

Kalia's letter highlights the complex history of Chandigarh's status, referencing the crucial January 29, 1970 award by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This historical decision had declared Chandigarh as Punjab's permanent capital, with provisions for Haryana to receive Rs 10 crore to build its own capital. The Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966 established Chandigarh as a Union Territory serving as a provisional capital for both states.

Constitutional Concerns and Peace Implications 

The former minister emphasizes the unique position of Punjab's Governor, who serves both as the state's Constitutional head and Chandigarh's Administrator. Kalia warns that the land transfer decision could disturb Punjab's hard-earned peace, which he describes as resting on a "delicate structure of faith." While maintaining that his stance isn't against the BJP's environmental clearance, Kalia strongly advocates for protecting Punjab's interests. 

Historical Precedent and Current Dispute

The letter points out that post-Independence state reorganizations typically awarded capital cities to parent states during linguistic divisions. However, Punjab's reorganization proved exceptional, with Chandigarh becoming a shared capital in a 60:40 ratio between Punjab and Haryana. This latest land allocation has reignited demands for Chandigarh to be designated as Punjab's exclusive capital.