Punjab: The central government’s sudden decision to dissolve the senate of Punjab’s prestigious Panjab University has come amid widespread protests in Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party immediately strongly opposed the move. Thousands of AAP students and AAP workers took to the streets in Chandigarh and across Punjab, protesting, shouting slogans and sending a clear message to the central government that “Punjab cannot be suppressed.”
This incident has now become not just an academic issue but a fight for Punjab’s autonomy and dignity. AAP and students claim that this move by BJP is part of a deliberate strategy to capture Punjab’s institutions.
BJP’s surprise attack on Panjab University
The central government has issued a notification to dissolve the Senate of Panjab University without any prior notice. The AAP alleges that this is not an administrative decision, but a conspiracy to capture the most prestigious educational institution of Punjab. Panjab University, which has been the educational and cultural landmark of Punjab since 1882, has been targeted by this decision.
AAP leaders said that this is the same tactic that BJP uses in every state where it does not have a government – first weaken the institutions, then install its people. But in Punjab, there is a Bhagwant Mann government, which is ready to fight for every inch.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s strong message
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann clearly said that Panjab University is not just a building; it is the soul of Punjab. Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh emerged from here, and Punjab got its leadership. It is our duty to preserve and protect this institution. He warned the BJP that bullying will not work in Punjab. The BJP has targeted the wrong state. Punjab is a land that refuses to bow, refuses to be subdued, and fights for its rights till its last breath.
Strong protests by students and ASAP
ASAP students protested in every college affiliated to Panjab University. Students took to the streets across the state including Patiala, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Bathinda. They declared that if Panjab University is left quietly today, other institutions will be occupied tomorrow.
A student leader said, “We are the new generation of Punjab and we know how to get our rights. The BJP might be thinking what harm the students can do, but we will show that when the youth wake up, the governments will change.”
AAP movement and public support
AAP turned the issue into a mass movement. Senior party leaders joined the protest to encourage the students. The AAP Chandigarh unit chief said, “This is not just AAP’s fight, it is the fight of the entire Punjab. We will not let anyone exploit our university.”
#SavePunjabUniversity is trending on social media. The state president of ASAP said, “We are a generation that does not demand our rights, but takes them away. BJP might have thought that youth only make noise on social media, but we have shown that when it comes to Punjab, we also take to the streets.”
Historical and cultural significance of Punjab University
Panjab University produced revolutionaries like Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev. This institution is a symbol of Punjab’s identity and culture. The senior AAP leader said, “BJP should understand that Punjab is a land where fighting for rights is in its blood. Trying to touch Panjab University is like challenging the entire Punjab.”
Future strategy and warnings
AAP has issued a clear warning to the BJP that its attempts to pressure and capture Punjab’s institutions will fail. A party spokesperson said, “We are not a weak government that will bow to pressure. The people of Punjab have elected us because we have the courage to fight for our rights. The BJP thinks that if it has power at the Centre, it can do anything, but Punjab is a democracy, and the voice of the people is supreme.”
AAP has indicated that the agitation will intensify if this issue is not resolved. A public awareness campaign will be launched across Punjab, involving every student, teacher and citizen in this fight. The message is clear: “Punjab cannot be suppressed, nor will it ever be.”
