Chandigarh handed over to Punjab secretly: Brar

CHANDIGARH, AUG. 11. The senior Punjab Congress leader, Mr. Jagmeet Singh Brar, today alleged that Chandigarh, the capital of both Punjab and Haryana, has been ``transferred to Punjab secretly by the Central Government''. `

``The Centre, under a secret deal with the Akali Dal, has transferred Chandigarh to Punjab clandestinely to bail out the latter keeping in view the Assembly polls drawing close in the State,'' Mr. Brar told reporters here, but refused to divulge the source of his claim.

Chautala`s denial

Meanwhile, the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Om Prakash Chautala, has denied Mr. Brar's allegation. In a statement here, Mr. Chautala said it was wrong on Mr. Brar's part to say that the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Prakash Singh Badal, had successfully convinced him on this issue.

Mr. Chautala said the ``mischievous and politically motivated'' statement had been issued to mislead the people and to gain cheap popularity in view of the coming elections.

He said he would always protect the interests of the Haryana people while settling the disputes over territorial and river water issues.

- PTI

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