Stop petty politics over House: Saini to Mann as Punjab hardens stance

Politics over the first hurdles being cleared for the allotment of land to the Haryana Government in Chandigarh for the construction of a new Vidhan Sabha building continued to play out through the day today.

Protect Punjab’s interests: BJP’s Kalia to Guv

A day after Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar urged the PM to get the decision on allocation of 12 acres in Chandigarh to Haryana for the House reversed, former BJP minister Manoranjan Kalia on Friday wrote to the Punjab Governor asking him to act in the matter strictly in accordance with “constitutional propriety to protect the interests, assets and faith of Punjab”.

Chandigarh admn to seek clarity on land

The Chandigarh Administration will seek clarity from the Haryana Forest Department regarding a proposed land swap for the construction of a new Haryana Assembly building. The focus is on ensuring that the land in question does not fall within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.

While Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party sent a delegation led by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema to meet Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to oppose the move, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini asked Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann not to indulge in “petty politics” on the issue and instead focus on the pressing issues of farmers in his state.

Saini reiterated that Haryana also had a right over Chandigarh and urged Punjab leaders not to play petty politics over the matter.

The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference here. MLAs Ram Kumar Gautam, Randhir Panihar, Vinod Bhayana and Devender Kadian were also present on the occasion.

He said the Punjab Chief Minister was claiming that he would not allow the Haryana Vidhan Sabha to be built in Chandigarh. Saini urged the Punjab Government to work in the interests of the people. Saini said Haryana was Punjab’s “younger brother”, adding that Punjab should not create animosity or spoil the brotherhood by making such statements.

“Driven by political motives, leaders of Punjab had first stopped Haryana’s SYL water and now they are talking about stopping the Haryana Vidhan Sabha from being built. The people of Punjab share a strong bond with Haryana and want the state to get SYL water,” he said. He expressed disappointment over “cheap politics” being played by some Punjab leaders.

Meanwhile, a delegation of AAP, led by Punjab Finance Minister Cheema, today submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Punjab, registering its strong opposition to the Haryana Government’s proposal to set up a separate Legislative Assembly complex in Chandigarh. The memorandum was handed over by the delegation, which also included minister Harjot Singh Bains, AAP leaders Deepak Bali and Parminder Singh Goldy. In a press briefing outside the Governor House, Cheema said the matter was of immense importance for Punjab and its “rightful claim” over Chandigarh. He said Chandigarh was the capital of Punjab and belonged solely to the state, and the AAP government was firmly opposed to any attempt to allot land in the city for the construction of Haryana’s Legislative Assembly.

“Chandigarh is Punjab’s capital, and no other state has the right to build its legislature here,” said Cheema.

“The Haryana Government has sought 10 acres of land in Chandigarh in exchange for 12 acres in Panchkula. This proposal is part of its clear agenda to establish its Assembly complex in Chandigarh. AAP strongly opposes

this move and will not allow even an inch of Chandigarh land to be given to Haryana.”

Cheema said previous governments had failed to safeguard Punjab’s interests regarding Chandigarh. He reminded that when Punjab and Haryana were created, it was clearly understood that Haryana would establish its own capital in Panchkula, and not in Chandigarh. He stressed that Haryana should build its Legislative Assembly in Panchkula.