Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the entire state knows that the Centre has “deliberately targeted” Punjab University. “Nearly 200 colleges will suffer because of this move. The Centre is trying to control Punjab by dismantling an institution that has been built over the last 69 years. First, they issued a notification, then claimed to withdraw it — and now it’s back again. These contradictory actions expose their real intent. Earlier, they tried to control the BBMB, and now their target is Punjab University,” he said, vowing that the AAP government, along with students and professors, will fight to protect the university’s autonomy.
Party spokesperson Malwinder Kang said the Education Ministry’s notification has no authority to alter the functioning of the historic institution. “We have requested the Governor to intervene in this matter. The decision-making process must remain autonomous and in Punjab’s hands,” he said.
Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer echoed similar sentiments, calling Punjab University “an emotion and a legacy.” “When lakhs of Punjabis migrated from Pakistan, we built this university here with our own hands. I fail to understand what issue the Centre has with Punjab University. Time and again, they’ve tried to interfere — whether by changing its name or centralising its control. Punjab has always been targeted — first with the farm laws, and now with this,” he said, urging the Governor to announce the date for Senate elections without further delay.
The AAP leaders said they stand united with students, faculty, and Punjabis at large to safeguard the university’s independent character and historic identity.
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