Chandigarh, Nov 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed deep concern over the Central Government’s decision to dissolve the Senate of Punjab University, calling it “unconstitutional” and an affront to the state’s heritage.
Speaking passionately, Mann said, “Punjab University is more than just an institution—it is a part of our history, our identity. We will not allow anyone to snatch it away.”
He accused the BJP-led Centre of overstepping its bounds and showing an “anti-Punjab face” by issuing the notification without state consultation. Mann made it clear that the Punjab government will fight this injustice legally, approaching the High Court or even the Supreme Court if needed.
What CM Mann said
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Centre Has No Authority:
The CM stressed that Punjab University falls under state jurisdiction according to the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and the Punjab University Act, 1947. “The Centre cannot unilaterally dissolve the Senate,” he said. -
Unconstitutional Move:
Dissolving the Senate through a simple notification, without legislative approval, Mann called “illegal and unconstitutional.” -
Protecting Punjab’s Heritage:
Mann highlighted that the university is a cultural and educational heritage, tracing its journey from Lahore to Hoshiarpur and then Chandigarh after Partition. “We owe it to our children and future generations to protect it,” he said. -
Previous Attempts by BJP:
The CM claimed that earlier, BJP leaders tried to connect Punjab University with Haryana, potentially diluting the state’s control. -
Legal Battle Ahead:
Mann vowed, “We will take this to court to ensure our rights are upheld.” -
Standing Against Bullying:
The CM accused the Centre of repeatedly attempting to take over Punjab’s institutions, citing previous conflicts over the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Why the Senate Matters
The Senate is the university’s highest governing body, responsible for major academic and administrative decisions. Its previous term ended on October 31, 2024, but elections for a new Senate were not conducted. On November 1, 2025, the Centre dissolved the Senate and Syndicate, introducing a new structure.
The Human Angle
For students, faculty, and citizens, Punjab University is more than an institution, it is a symbol of pride, resilience, and shared history. Mann’s stance resonates with those who see this move as a threat to local control and identity.
As the legal and political battle begins, it is clear that the fight over Punjab University is about more than governance, it’s about safeguarding a piece of Punjab’s soul.