Last Updated:January 26, 2026, 15:06 IST
Bhagwant Mann said Punjab has made immense sacrifices for the country but continues to face what he described as longstanding injustice over the status of its capital.
TL;DR: “Despite making the greatest sacrifices for the nation, Punjab is the only state that does not have its own capital," Mann said.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday said the state remains the only one in India without its own capital, despite its significant contributions to the nation, and vowed that his government would continue to fight for Punjab’s rights, including its claim over Chandigarh.
Addressing a gathering in Hoshiarpur on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, Mann said Punjab has made immense sacrifices for the country but continues to face what he described as longstanding injustice over the status of its capital.
“Despite making the greatest sacrifices for the nation, Punjab is the only state that does not have its own capital," Mann said. “On this Republic Day, I want to assure the people that we will make every possible effort for Punjab and for our capital, Chandigarh. We will do whatever is necessary."
Chandigarh, currently a Union Territory, serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, a legacy of the 1966 Punjab Reorganisation Act, which carved Haryana out of the erstwhile Punjab. While the city was originally developed to replace Lahore as Punjab’s capital after Partition, it was later designated a shared capital, with assets divided in a 60:40 ratio between Punjab and Haryana.
The status of Chandigarh has remained a sensitive political issue for decades, with both states staking claim to the city.
Punjab maintains that Chandigarh rightfully belongs to it, while Haryana has consistently asserted its share of administrative control, land and resources.
Mann has repeatedly raised the issue with the Centre, arguing that Punjab’s rights are being diluted.
Tensions have sharpened further following the Centre’s recent proposal under the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to place Chandigarh under tighter central administration, a move Punjab leaders have criticised as an attempt to “snatch" the state’s capital.
The Chief Minister said Punjab has consistently passed resolutions demanding the transfer of Chandigarh, while Haryana has pushed for the full recognition of its share. Chandigarh currently houses the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with the Punjab Governor serving as the Union Territory’s administrator.
Highlighting his government’s performance, Mann said Punjab has seen rapid industrial growth, attracting investments worth ₹1.49 lakh crore since 2022 and generating employment for over five lakh people.
He invited domestic and global companies to invest in the state, citing its economic potential.
Mann also outlined welfare measures undertaken by his government, including the closure of 21 toll plazas, which he said saved residents ₹67 lakh.
He stressed that his administration had cut unnecessary expenditure while prioritising public welfare.
Emphasising Punjab’s central role in India’s progress, Mann said the state has been crucial to national food security but has often seen its rights undermined.
“Punjab feeds the nation," he said, adding that his government would firmly oppose any attempt to exploit the state’s resources.
Earlier in the day, Mann extended Republic Day greetings in a post on X, recalling the role of Dr B R Ambedkar in shaping the Constitution and urging citizens to uphold its values of justice, equality and freedom.
He also expressed pride over Punjab’s tableau at the Republic Day parade, which marked the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Calling the Sikh leader’s sacrifice a symbol of human rights and religious freedom, Mann said his government remains committed to preserving and promoting the legacy of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
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News india 'Only State Without Its Own Capital': Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Vows To Fight For State's Rights
Curated by Dr. Elena Rodriguez
