Chandigarh: Slamming the BJP-led Central government for its decision to unilaterally dissolve the 59-year-old Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University in Chandigarh, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Saturday termed it a “brazen attack on the state’s pride, democracy and intellect.”
‘Political Vandalism, Not Governance’: Bains
Bains said, “It is not governance, it is political vandalism. The reckless move by the Centre tramples on Punjab’s hard-earned autonomy, academic freedom and constitutional rights. It is a blatant assault on the very soul of Punjab.”
The Education Minister underscored the historical and emotional significance of Panjab University, which he said has been built through decades of collective effort, intellect and sacrifice by the people of the state.
He questioned the intent behind the abrupt dissolution, highlighting the overwhelming mandate given by the people of Punjab in the last Senate elections.
‘Centre Cannot Dismantle People’s Verdict’
“How dare the Centre dismantle a six-decade-old democratic institution?” Bains asked, recalling that in the last Senate elections for the Graduate Constituency, Punjab’s own representatives had won all the seats.
“This was the people’s clear verdict. Now, the BJP-led Central government that could not win the confidence at the ballot box wants to handpick its favourites and convert this venerable university into a political playground,” he alleged.
Attack on Federalism, Says Punjab Minister
Describing the move not as administrative reform but as “an act of occupation,” Bains alleged that the Centre’s decision reflects “a dangerous design to centralise control, crush Punjab’s distinct voice and systematically rewrite the principles of federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution.”
He called the move a blatant attempt to silence dissent and erode states’ rights, asserting, “But Punjab won’t succumb to this authoritarian overreach.”
Punjab Government to Challenge the Move
The minister vowed that the Punjab government, along with the academic community, teachers, students and staff, would strongly oppose the Centre’s decision in every democratic forum.
He said the state would also explore all legal and constitutional avenues to protect Punjab’s heritage and its rights.
“Panjab University belongs to Punjab, its people, its history and its future,” Bains declared. “It does not belong to a distant, authoritarian Centre that wishes to silence it. The people of Punjab will not allow this political vandalism to stand.