Centre’s decision on PU Senate, Syndicate raises hackles

All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary Pargat Singh has strongly condemned the Centre on choosing to dissolve the Senate of Panjab University on Punjab Day today, calling it a direct assault on Punjab's rights.

He said the Centre's aim, through the RSS, is to seize control over the state's education system. He said that dissolving the university's Senate is an unconstitutional act and will not be tolerated. The Congress party will not remain silent and will soon launch a statewide agitation against the move, he told media persons here.

Pargat Singh said the Union government is systematically trying to control educational institutions through such tactics. Many questions were raised recently during a seminar at Panjab University. He highlighted that students were being forced to sign forms that prohibit them from participating in any activity or protest, which is a blatant violation of their fundamental rights. The Centre has, in effect, stripped Punjab of these rights, he fumed.

"This decision will negatively impact all recognised colleges across seven districts, three regional campuses, and DPI colleges. They have been completely sidelined by a process fully managed by the Central government. The RSS is controlling this education apparatus by appointing personnel with ideological affiliations. Every such step is part of a broader conspiracy to weaken Punjab's institutional framework," he said.

The former Education Minister also questioned the intentions of the Aam Aadmi Party government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging them to take a clear and firm stand. He said the Mann administration had already reduced the promise of a "Punjab Dam Safety Law" made during the BBMB issue to a mere slogan. The law was never implemented under BJP pressure. CM Mann, he added, appeared to be functioning like a puppet under dual control — Arvind Kejriwal on the one hand and the BJP on the other.

The Congress legislator warned that such threats to Punjab have emerged because of AAP's weakness and indecisiveness. He said Chandigarh is the next target, and cautioned the state government against aligning with the BJP. The CM has already handed over 10 acres of land, which reflects a dangerous trend of compromise, he said, appealing to representatives of all political parties to rise above party lines and unite in defence of Punjab's constitutional rights.

Pargat Singh also criticised the Punjab government for the complete breakdown of law and order. He said the morale of the Punjab Police has plummeted to a disturbing level, and individuals with dubious credentials have infiltrated the force. Commenting on the Tarn Taran assembly by-election, he said that no political party had paid serious attention to the Majha region, especially Tarn Taran, in the past four decades, which has led to the present state of affairs.