Mann slams Centre’s ‘wordplay’, seeks full rollback of PU overhaul

With the Centre putting the Panjab University overhaul on hold, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the Union government, accusing it of trying to “mislead Punjabis by juggling words” and demanding a full rollback of the controversial decision.

The Tribune was the first to break the story on Saturday, setting off a political firestorm that has since engulfed Punjab and Chandigarh.

The Centre’s subsequent decision to hold the notification in abeyance has calmed tempers for now, but left uncertainty hanging over when, or whether, the new structure will actually take effect.

Mann accused the BJP-led government of resorting to “dirty tantrums” to confuse the public after facing unprecedented backlash from students, academics and political parties.

“Punjabis are well aware of your dubious character and won’t be fooled by mere wordplay. We will not rest until the Panjab University orders are completely rolled back,” he said.

Reiterating that Punjab would explore “every legal and constitutional option” by engaging eminent lawyers, the CM said the Centre’s attempt to dissolve the Senate and Syndicate of the university was a “brazen violation” of established norms. “This is not just a legal battle—it is a constitutional responsibility of the state to protect Punjab’s right over Panjab University,” Mann said.

He underscored that the university, established under the Panjab University Act, 1947, was created to compensate Punjab for the loss of its Lahore campus after Partition, and its federal character was preserved under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966.

“Panjab University is part of the emotional, cultural and literary legacy of Punjab. Any attempt to erode this connection is unacceptable,” he said.

Calling the Centre’s October 30 restructuring notification “irrational and undemocratic,” he said it had sparked “widespread resentment” among teachers, graduates and professionals. “Punjab will not tolerate any dilution of its share, rights or participation in the functioning of Panjab University,” he said, vowing to “fight tooth and nail” against any move that undermines the state’s interests.

Meanwhile, jubilant scenes were witnessed on the PU campus as students celebrated the Centre’s retreat, terming it their “second consecutive victory” within 24 hours—after the university administration withdrew the controversial “no-protest affidavit” norm.

The AAP, Congress, and SAD have all claimed credit for forcing the Centre to climb down. AAP leaders called the move “a moral win for Punjab’s collective voice”, while Congress MPs Manish Tewari and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said the “temporary retreat cannot substitute a full withdrawal”.

SAD leaders termed the Centre’s handling of the issue a “dictatorial overreach” and demanded restoration of Punjab’s full rights over Panjab University.