CM Mann slams Centre government while distributing appointment letters in Amritsar

November 7, 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has once again targeted the central government over the issue of Punjab University. He alleged that the central government wants to usurp everything, but we gave the country back. Punjab knows how to fight for its rights and also how to take them. He said these words while presenting appointment letters to young people being recruited by the Electricity Board in Amritsar.

The Chief Minister said that there was a dispute with Haryana over water. Haryana had already used its share of water. We also needed water. When Haryana refused to provide more water, the central government intervened. Attempts were made to interfere with the BBMB.

The Center wants to establish its rights over PU

Now the central government has taken a stance on Punjab University. They are claiming it as their own. The Governor of Punjab and the Governor of Haryana previously held meetings on this issue, and I also attended them. Through these meetings, they attempted to gain influence within the Syndicate. They proposed affiliating the colleges in Ambala and Yamunanagar with Punjab University. But we flatly refused.

The CM said, “I clearly stated that you previously separated your colleges from Punjab University through a written agreement. You created Kurukshetra University. Do you no longer trust Kurukshetra University? Instead of Kurukshetra University, establish another university in Panchkula or Yamuna Nagar. We already have over 170 colleges affiliated to Fazilka.”

The CM said – the then Governor Banwari Lal was interrupted

At that time, the then Punjab Governor, Banwari Lal Purohit, said that we should pay the tax. I interrupted him, asking whether he represented Punjab or Haryana. He should speak in my favor. But he had orders from above.

Then they issued a notification. The Act was passed in the Assembly, and such a notification cannot be issued. Due to protests, it had to be withdrawn. This university was previously located in Hoshiarpur, when it moved from Lahore. Our heritage is linked to this university.

Now the focus is on the central electricity board

Now they’re sitting on electricity board bills. All electricity boards will be under our control. Leave some for the state. We’ll protest.