Chandigarh, the meticulously planned city known for its architecture and greenery, has once again become the center of a political controversy. While Chandigarh has served as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana for decades, its historical roots, emotional connection, and rightful ownership belong solely to Punjab. The recent developments and attempts to dilute Punjab’s claim over the city have reignited sentiments among Punjabis, who view Chandigarh as an inseparable part of their identity.
The city of Chandigarh was born out of necessity after the Partition of 1947 when Punjab lost Lahore, its historic capital, to Pakistan. Faced with the challenge of establishing a new administrative center, Punjab’s Chief Minister Partap Singh Kairon envisioned the creation of a modern city that would symbolize the resurgence of Punjab. In the 1950s, under Kairon’s leadership, the Punjab government acquired approximately 28,000 acres of land by displacing 28 villages to lay the foundation of Chandigarh.
While world-renowned architect Le Corbusier designed the city’s layout, it was M.S. Randhawa, a distinguished Punjabi civil servant, who gave Chandigarh its soul. Randhawa’s contribution to developing Chandigarh’s green belts, gardens, cultural institutions, and public spaces transformed it into a vibrant and livable city. The greenery, parks, and cultural hubs of Chandigarh reflect Randhawa’s vision of blending modernity with Punjab’s natural and artistic heritage.
For Punjabis, Chandigarh is not just an administrative capital but a creation of their sweat and sacrifices. The city was built with Punjab’s resources, carved out of Punjab’s land, and designed to be a symbol of Punjab’s progress. However, in 1966, when Haryana was carved out of Punjab, Chandigarh was made a Union Territory and designated as a temporary shared capital. What was meant to be a short-term arrangement has now stretched for more than five decades, causing frustration and resentment in Punjab.
The latest controversy erupted when moves were made by the Central government to strengthen its administrative control over Chandigarh, ignoring Punjab’s historical and emotional claim. This is being seen by Punjabis as an invasion of their rights. The sentiment is that “Heaven was literally built by us, which has now been invaded.” Every government at the Center has promised to resolve the Chandigarh issue in Punjab’s favor, yet no concrete steps have ever been taken.
Chandigarh holds a deep emotional connect with every Punjabi. It is more than just a capital; it represents the vision of a post-Partition Punjab, rebuilt with determination and pride. The city’s gardens, architectural beauty, and cultural institutions are a reflection of Punjab’s spirit. Every move to dilute Punjab’s claim over Chandigarh is seen as an attack on Punjabi pride and a continuation of the pattern where Punjab’s resources, rivers, and rights have been systematically targeted.
The struggle for Chandigarh is not merely a territorial dispute but a fight for historical justice and dignity. Punjabis believe it is time for the political leadership of the country to honor the sacrifices and rightful claim of Punjab over Chandigarh. It is a demand for respect, recognition, and the restoration of what belongs to Punjab—its own capital city, which is a living symbol of its identity and legacy.