CHANDIGARH: The BJP government at the Center tried to crush Punjab by suddenly issuing a notification to dissolve Punjab University’s Senate, but Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party hit back so hard that it shook Delhi’s seats of power. Thousands of ASAP students took to the streets in Chandigarh and across Punjab, openly challenging the BJP - “Punjab will not be suppressed!” Now this is not just a university matter, it has become a battle for Punjab’s honor and pride.
The scene on Chandigarh’s streets on Tuesday was proof of Punjab’s strength. ASAP students and AAP workers staged such a powerful protest against the BJP government that the message reached the central government that Punjab stands united. The slogans echoed - “The looting of Punjab’s rights will not be tolerated!” Thousands of youth standing together were shouting that Punjab University is our heritage, and no outside force will take control of it. Protesters held placards that read - “Not by force, Punjab’s institutions are not yours!” This was not just a protest, it was Punjab’s self-respect speaking.
The central government issued an order to dissolve Punjab University’s Senate without any prior notice. AAP alleges this is not an administrative decision but a well-planned conspiracy through which the BJP wants to establish its control over Punjab’s most prestigious educational institution. Punjab University, which has been Punjab’s educational and cultural identity since 1882, was suddenly targeted. AAP leaders said this is the same method BJP uses in every state where it doesn’t have a government - first weaken the institutions, then install your own people. But this time Punjab has the Bhagwant Mann government that is ready to fight for every inch of land.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directly warned the BJP that the language of force will not work with Punjab. He said - “Punjab University is not just a building, it is Punjab’s soul. Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh came from here, Punjab got its leadership from here. It is our duty to maintain this institution and our dharma to protect it.” CM Mann made it clear that the Punjab government will not compromise on this matter and whatever steps need to be taken will be taken. His message was - “BJP has targeted the wrong state. Punjab is that land which does not bow, does not get suppressed, and fights till its last breath for its rights.”