The ongoing controversy surrounding the Panjab University Senate elections has taken a new political turn, with the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government stepping up in strong support of protesting students and openly confronting the Centre. The dispute erupted after the Union government’s move to abolish the decades-old Senate and Syndicate system at the university — a decision that has triggered widespread outrage across Punjab.
Bhagwant Mann Government Stands Firm with Students in Panjab University Senate
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced the formation of a panel of expert lawyers to challenge the Centre’s decision in court, asserting that the move is “unconstitutional and an attack on Punjab’s academic autonomy.” The Punjab government has vowed to defend the rights of students and uphold the state’s stake in the university’s governance structure.
Slams Centre Over Crackdown
Tensions escalated on Monday as police reportedly used force to disperse student demonstrators at the Panjab University campus in Chandigarh. Videos of the incident went viral, sparking criticism and condemnation from several quarters. Students alleged that the police action was an attempt to “suppress the voice of Punjab” and accused the Centre of trying to gain control over the institution through coercion.
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang visited the university campus to meet protesting students but was stopped by the police. Addressing the media, Kang strongly condemned the lathi charge on students, accusing the Chandigarh Police and the BJP-led Centre of high-handedness. “Punjab will not tolerate such oppression. We stand united against this injustice,” he said, echoing the state government’s stance.
The Punjab government reiterated that it will continue to back the students’ movement and fight for the reinstatement of the Senate. “The government of Punjab stands shoulder to shoulder with its youth. The cancellation of the Senate notification is unconstitutional, and we will not let the Centre undermine Punjab’s dignity,” CM Bhagwant Mann asserted.
Observers believe the issue may escalate further as both the state and central governments continue to trade barbs, turning the Panjab University Senate issue into a major political flashpoint in the region.
