BJP leader KJ Alphons has visited Chandigarh only once.
Highlights
- For 32 years, Punjab Governor has been Chandigarh's top administrator
- Centre decided to appoint BJP's KJ Alphons administrator for Chandigarh
- Parties upset as move downsized Punjab's perceived hold on Chandigarh
The Centre's plan to appoint BJP leader KJ Alphons the administrator of the union territory Chandigarh was put on hold this evening, sources said, following a fierce reaction not only from the opposition, but ally Akali Dal, which co-governs the state with the BJP. Punjab is headed for assembly elections next year.
For three decades, Chandigarh has been in the charge of the governor of Punjab. All political parties in Punjab reacted sharply to the news of the coming appointment, which was seen as severely downsizing Punjab's perceived hold on and claim to Chandigarh ahead of state elections.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said he has asked the centre to review the decision. "Punjab will never allow its legitimate right over the capital and other Punjabi speaking areas to be compromised or diluted," he said in a statement.
The Chief Minister's statement came following a challenge from the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party to have the appointment revoked.
"You either make the central government, of which your party is an important constituent, rescind the move, or you withdraw your daughter-in-law Harsimrat Kaur Badal from the council of ministers," said Captain Amarinder Singh, the presumptive Chief Minister of the Congress. Bhagwant Mann, who is in charge of AAP's campaign, echoed the same demand.
Mr Alphons, 63, is a former bureaucrat from Kerala. He was dubbed "Delhi's demolition man" for his unflinching removal of thousands of illegal buildings in Delhi in the 90s. He joined the BJP in 2011.
"I am happy that the Prime Minister has reposed faith in me to give such a position. It's a great city... it's a great job... It will be nice to be there. I hope to utilise this chance in a good way," Mr Alphons had told news agency Press Trust of India earlier today. "Though I don't know much about the city, but I have read a lot about it," he had ceded.
On being told that his appointment will reverse the 32-year-old system of the Punjab governor being the top boss of Chandigarh, he said, "Chandigarh is the capital of two states and it requires a full time administrator." He has reportedly visited the city once.