Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has formally raised two major demands — a 7.19% share of the Union Territory of Chandigarh and the return of the Shahan hydel project from Punjab.
The demands are based on the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, which divided the former state of Punjab and created new states, including Himachal Pradesh.
CM meets Punjab Governor to press Himachal’s claims
According to The Tribune, CM Sukhu called on Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria to discuss several long-pending issues that are of vital importance to Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister sought the Governor’s support for the expeditious resolution of these issues. He expressed confidence that these matters would be resolved through constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Why Himachal claims 7.19% of Chandigarh
Himachal Pradesh is a successor state to the erstwhile Punjab. Under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, the state is entitled to a share of Chandigarh’s assets and properties. The 7.19% figure is based on the population ratio of the areas that were transferred to Himachal at the time of reorganisation.
This claim has been a long-standing demand of the state government. The issue has been raised multiple times in the past but has not been resolved.
Shahan hydel project: A separate demand
Along with the Chandigarh share, CM Sukhu also demanded the return of the Shahan hydel project from Punjab. The project is currently under the control of Punjab, but Himachal claims it as its own based on the same reorganisation laws.
The Shahan power project is a 110-MW hydel project. According to The Indian Express, Punjab has maintained that the project is its "right," even as Sukhu sought central help to reclaim it.
CM’s tone: Cooperative federalism
CM Sukhu did not take an aggressive stance. Instead, he emphasised that these issues should be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect. He expressed confidence that the Punjab Governor would support a fair resolution.
The meeting with Governor Kataria is seen as a step towards building consensus rather than confrontation. The Chief Minister has framed the demands as a matter of legal entitlement rather than political rivalry.
Our Take: A legitimate claim that needs resolution
In our view, Himachal Pradesh’s demand for a 7.19% share of Chandigarh is legally grounded. The Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, clearly laid out the distribution of assets among successor states. Himachal has been waiting for decades to get what it is entitled to.
The Shahan hydel project is another issue where the legal position appears to favour Himachal. The state has every right to pursue its claims through proper channels.
What is encouraging is the tone CM Sukhu has adopted. By seeking the Governor’s support and talking about cooperative federalism, he is keeping the door open for a negotiated settlement. That is the right approach — because these are issues that affect people’s lives and resources, and they deserve resolution, not political point-scoring.
Both Punjab and the central government should take these demands seriously and work towards a fair outcome.
