Fresh political controversy has erupted in Punjab after reports surfaced that the state government allegedly failed to send a panel of officers to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for the appointment of a new Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Chandigarh. Critics say the move reflects what they describe as the Punjab government’s weakening stance on the long-standing issue of the Union Territory’s administrative control.
According to reports, the three-year tenure of Punjab cadre IPS officer Kanwardeep Kaur as SSP of Chandigarh ended on March 4, 2026. Traditionally, the Punjab government sends a panel of eligible IPS officers to the Ministry of Home Affairs for consideration and appointment to the key post in the Union Territory. However, reports claim that the Government of Punjab did not submit such a panel in time.
The development has sparked criticism from opposition leaders and political observers, who argue that the alleged inaction undermines Punjab’s historic claim and administrative participation in Chandigarh. The city serves as the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana, but it is directly administered by the central government.
Critics have also targeted Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of failing to defend Punjab’s interests in matters related to Chandigarh. They claim that by not sending a panel of officers for the SSP position, the state government appears to have ceded ground to the Centre on an issue that has remained politically sensitive for decades.
The Chandigarh question has been a longstanding political and emotional issue in Punjab politics, with several parties repeatedly demanding that the Union Territory be transferred fully to Punjab as promised during earlier reorganization discussions.
So far, the Punjab government has not issued an official clarification regarding the reported delay in sending the panel to the Centre. Political observers say the issue could intensify debate over the state government’s handling of Punjab’s rights and administrative role in Chandigarh.
The situation is likely to draw further reactions from political parties and civil society groups in the coming days, especially given the symbolic importance of Chandigarh in Punjab’s political discourse.