Politics of Chandigarh

From 1952 to 1966 (the year Haryana was carved out of Punjab) Chandigarh was the capital of Punjab. Citizens of the city were represented in the state's Legislative Assembly and a Chief Commissioner headed the local administration. While Punjab had remained undivided, Chandigarh, like other large cities of India, fitted into the larger framework of the state administration. When Punjab was divided, both Punjab and Haryana claimed the new city for its capital. Pending resolution of the issue, the Central Government made Chandigarh a Union Territory (under Section 4 of the Punjab Re-Organisation Act, 1966, with effect from 1 November 1966) with its administration functioning directly under the Central Government. Under the provisions of this Act, the laws in force in the erstwhile State of Punjab prior to 1 November 1966, continue to be applicable to the Union Territory of Chandigarh.[7]

Up to 31 May 1984, the Administrator of the UT was designated as "Chief Commissioner". On 1 June 1984, the Governor of Punjab has been functioning as the Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh and Chief Commissioner was redesignated as "Adviser to the Administrator". List of Administrators of Chandigarh is as follows:[8]

Presently the city is represented in Indian Parliament by Mrs. Kiran Kher of BJP.[9] Prior to her, Mr. Pawan Bansal of Congress was MP from Chandigarh. He became Minister of Railways but had to quit due to corruption charges.

Mrs Raj Bala Malik is the Mayor of the city.[10]