Centre, RSS plotting to weaken Punjab’s institutional framework: Pargat Singh on dissolution of PU Senate

All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary Pargat Singh strongly condemned the Centre for dissolving the Senate of Panjab University on Punjab Day, calling it a direct assault on Punjab’s rights. He said the Centre’s aim, through RSS, is to seize control over the state’s education system. He emphasised 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 this move, he told the media.

Centre dissolves 59-yr-old Panjab University Senate, Syndicate

Pargat Singh said the Union Government is systematically trying to control educational institutions through such tactics. Recently, many questions were raised 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.

He added, “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 educational apparatus by appointing personnel with ideological affiliations. Every such step is part of a broader conspiracy to weaken Punjab’s institutional framework.”

The former Education Minister also questioned the intentions of the AAP government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh 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 due to BJP pressure. Mann, he added, appears to be functioning like a puppet under dual control – one side by Arvind Kejriwal and the other by BJP.

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 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.

He further criticised the Punjab Government for the complete breakdown of law and order. He said the morale of the Punjab Police force has deteriorated to a disturbing level, and criminal-minded individuals have infiltrated the force. Commenting on the Tarn Taran byelection, 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.