The special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, convened to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, witnessed political undertones with leaders from both the treasury and opposition benches criticising the Centre’s alleged attempts to “undermine the state’s authority” by seeking control over Chandigarh, river waters, and Panjab University.
During the last Cabinet meeting, it was decided that leaders would not speak on political issues other than paying tributes to the ninth Sikh Guru. However, several speakers — including Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) member Manpreet Singh Ayali, and BSP’s Nachhattar Pal — raised the issues of Chandigarh, PU and Punjab waters.
Paying tributes to Guru Tegh Bahadur, Mann said the Guru made the supreme sacrifice to protect the religious rights of humanity and set an example for the world.
“Punjab knows how to safeguard its rights. Those who think Punjab will leave its rights or shut its eyes are grossly mistaken. Be it PU, Chandigarh, or river waters… Punjab does not leave its rights. If anybody tries to arm-twist, Punjab bounces back,” Mann said.
The ruling AAP, along with Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, has accused the BJP-led Centre of trying to “snatch” Chandigarh from Punjab as they opposed a recent proposal to bring the Union Territory under Article 240 of the Constitution, empowering the President to legislate it directly. The Centre, however, issued a clarification Sunday stating it has no intention of presenting any Bill on Chandigarh’s administration in the Winter Session of Parliament and assured that the proposal would not alter the UT’s governance structure.
Earlier too, the Centre had come under fire for its move to restructure the governing bodies — Senate and Syndicate — of Panjab University, a decision it later withdrew.
In the House, Leader of Opposition Bajwa also raised the issues of Chandigarh, PU, pending rural development funds, and water sharing. He said all Punjabis should unite for the state’s rights.
“Every three months, waters are being tested. Attempts are being made to rewrite history. We need to be alert. Punjabis must be united. We may have political differences, but for the land of Punjab and Punjabiyat, we must come together for our rights,” Bajwa said.
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Finance Minister Harpal Cheema also accused the Centre of “excesses”.
“Whoever has ever looked at us, we have given a strong answer. Ask the Congress — their seven generations would remember what we have done. The Centre should not test the patience of Punjabis,” he said, asserting that the three crore people of Punjab, following the teachings of the Gurus, remain committed to safeguarding national unity and integrity while fighting resolutely for state rights.
Akali Dal’s Ayali said Punjabis have made maximum sacrifices for the country’s freedom.
“But even today, Punjab’s issues remain unresolved. Our rights are being snatched. Punjab has a right over Chandigarh, which was established over Punjab’s villages. Attempts are being made to snatch it from Punjab,” he said.
“Chandigarh should be given to Punjab, and all issues concerning Punjab must be resolved,” he added. He also demanded the release of jailed Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, detained under the National Security Act.
BSP MLA Nachhattar Pal stressed the need for united efforts on issues concerning Chandigarh, Panjab University, ‘Bandi Singhs’, and other matters.
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Bharatiya Janata Party member Ashwini Sharma, speaking earlier, criticised Bajwa, stating that the session was meant to remember Guru Tegh Bahadur’s sacrifice, yet some members were “indulging in politics”.
Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India.
Professional Background
Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state.
Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions.
Special Projects:
Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship.
Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)
Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government:
1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs
"Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA.
"Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor.
"Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas.
2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls
"Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections.
"AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections.
"Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership.
3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy
"Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government.
"Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP.
4. Welfare & Economy
"Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program.
"Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025).
Signature Beat
Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens.
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