In a significant political development, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal arrived at the Panjab University (PU) campus on Saturday evening, lending his substantial support to the ongoing student-led agitation. The protesters have been demanding the immediate announcement of a schedule for the long-stalled Senate elections.
A Fight for Punjab, Not Politics
Addressing the gathering at the PU Bachao Morcha, Badal emphatically stated that the issue transcends political party lines. He declared the protest a fundamental question of Punjab's rights, urging all political factions to unite beyond their rivalries. “This is not about the SAD or the Congress or the AAP. This is Punjab’s fight. And if Punjab does not protect its institutions, no one else will,” he asserted. The SAD chief became the latest senior politician to align with the students, who have been demonstrating for over two weeks.
Badal accused the central government of a consistent pattern of trying to “tighten its grip” on Punjab by weakening its key institutions. He cited the university and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) as prime examples. “You weaken the university and you weaken the state. That pattern has been steady,” he remarked, framing the Senate delay as part of this larger struggle.
Call to Action and Future Plans
Outlining a concrete plan, Badal announced his intention to seek a meeting with the Vice-President of India, who serves as the chancellor of PU. His demand is straightforward: a fixed timeline for the Senate polls within seven to ten days. He issued a stern warning, stating, “If nothing moves, I will return and sit with the students. And if the students lead this fight, the SAD will stand with them.” He called for all parties to “stand on one platform” to restore the Senate and ensure timely elections.
However, during a subsequent press conference, Badal faced uncomfortable questions about his own party's legacy. He was asked about the several hundred crores of debt that accumulated at PU during the previous SAD government's tenure, which was never waived despite the university's pleas. The leader sidestepped these queries, insisting the focus should remain on the “attack unfolding today” rather than past decisions.
Student Protest Escalates with New Conventions
As the protest entered its 14th day, student groups are preparing to intensify their campaign. The Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) announced two major conventions scheduled for November 26 and November 30. They plan to seek permission to use the Law Auditorium and intend to invite a prominent political figure to address the Senate crisis and the future of university governance.
Protest organizers signaled a strategic shift, acknowledging that pressure tactics within the campus have exhausted their utility. A student representative, Sara from PSU Lalkar, stated, “For two weeks, they have heard and ignored us. The next call will not be inside PU.” While there is speculation that the next major mobilization could target the Governor’s residence, the final venue will be decided after internal consultations.
The protest group has reiterated its threat to boycott the end-semester examinations starting November 18 if the university administration fails to provide a written schedule for the Senate elections. Meanwhile, support for the agitation continues to grow, with members of farmer unions, teachers' associations, civil society groups, and alumni visiting the protest site to express their solidarity.
