With the Centre putting its Panjab University restructuring decision on hold, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Union government, accusing it of trying to “mislead Punjabis by juggling words” and demanding a complete withdrawal of the controversial move.
The development came days after The Tribune broke the story on Saturday, sparking a political storm across Punjab and Chandigarh. While the Centre’s decision to keep the notification in abeyance has eased tempers for now, uncertainty still hangs over whether the new structure will ever be implemented.
Mann accused the BJP-led government of using “dirty tantrums” to confuse the public after a massive backlash from students, academics and opposition 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.Reaffirming that Punjab would pursue “every legal and constitutional route” by consulting eminent lawyers, Mann termed the Centre’s attempt to dissolve the Senate and Syndicate “a brazen violation of established norms.” He said it was the state’s constitutional duty to defend Punjab’s rights over the university.
The chief minister reminded that Panjab University, established under the 1947 Act, was created to compensate the state for the loss of its Lahore campus after Partition, and its federal status was protected under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. “Panjab University is not just an institution—it is an emotional, cultural and literary heritage of Punjab. Any attempt to weaken this bond will not be accepted,” he said.
Mann also described the Centre’s October 30 notification as “irrational and undemocratic,” saying it had triggered 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, calling it their “second consecutive victory” within 24 hours—after the university administration withdrew the controversial “no-protest affidavit” rule.
The AAP, Congress and SAD have all claimed credit for forcing the Centre to climb down. AAP leaders termed 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 described the Centre’s handling of the issue as “dictatorial overreach” and demanded restoration of Punjab’s full rights over Panjab University.