Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Harpal Cheema slams Centre’s move to dissolve PU Senate, calls it ‘Anti-Punjab’ and ‘Unconstitutional’
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 1, 2025: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the central government over its decision to dissolve Panjab University’s 59-year-old Senate and Syndicate, calling the move “anti-Punjab” and “unconstitutional.”
Addressing a press conference, Cheema alleged that the decision was a “deliberate conspiracy” to undermine Punjab’s heritage and autonomy. He said the dissolution of the university’s governing bodies reflected a “dictatorial approach” by the BJP-led Union government.
“This is a direct attack on Punjab,” Cheema said, accusing the Centre of taking the decision without consulting the state government. He pointed out that the current Senate structure was established under the Panjab University Act, 1947 and had been duly approved by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, making the Centre’s unilateral move “unjustified and illegal.”
The AAP leader said that Panjab University represents the educational and cultural heritage of Punjab, and any attempt to alter its structure was an attempt to “erase that legacy.”
Raising concerns over the new structure, Cheema noted that only 18 members would now be elected, which, according to him, shows the Centre’s intent to curtail Punjab’s representation and authority in the university’s functioning.
Warning the Union government, Cheema demanded that the decision be withdrawn immediately. “The voice of Punjab cannot be suppressed. We will strongly oppose this dictatorial move and take major action if the decision is not rolled back,” he said.