The Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, has launched a scathing attack against Panjab University administration for deliberately delaying the announcement of Senate election schedule, sparking widespread anger and continuous protests across campus.
25 Days of Unrelenting Student Anger
Student protests have now entered their 25th consecutive day with no resolution in sight. The escalating tension has prompted students to organize a massive shutdown on November 26, marking what could become an unprecedented standoff against what Bajwa described as the university's cold indifference to student demands.
Despite Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu's earlier assurance that Senate election dates would be announced shortly, the administration has maintained what Bajwa called a deafening silence, demonstrating what he termed as shocking insensitivity and utter contempt for student voices.
Political Allegations and Broader Agenda
In a significant escalation of rhetoric, the senior Congress leader accused the PU administration of functioning as an extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government. He claimed the administration is executing a systematic and calculated agenda to undermine Punjab's rights.
Bajwa made serious allegations that the administration is actively facilitating the spread of RSS ideology within the university premises. He asserted that the continued delay in announcing Senate polls exposes what he called the Centre's malicious intent to take control of PU's governance and sever its historic ties with Punjab.
Constitutional Changes and Punjab's Rights
The Congress leader connected the university issue to broader political patterns, pointing to what he described as the BJP's ongoing attempts to weaken Punjab's constitutional and administrative rights since assuming power at the Centre.
As evidence, he referenced recent reports about the proposed Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which seeks to bring the Union Territory of Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This move would place Chandigarh on the same footing as other centrally administered Union Territories, potentially reducing Punjab's influence.
Bajwa reaffirmed that the Punjab Congress has extended full support to the protesting students demanding immediate announcement of Senate elections. He issued a firm demand for prompt declaration of the Senate poll schedule, calling it crucial for safeguarding democratic values and ensuring Punjab's rightful role in Panjab University's governance.
