Punjab University Senate & Syndicate controversy: AAP delegation urges Governor to restore full democratic structure.

At Raj Bhavan, a high-level Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab delegation led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema met with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to present a memorandum opposing the Union Government’s unilateral decision to dissolve Punjab University ‘s democratically elected Senate and Syndicate. PU Senate Members I.P. Sidhu and Ravinder Dhaliwal, senior leaders Goldy Kamboj, Davinder Singh Laddi Dhos, student leader Vattanveer Gill, and Members of Parliament Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Malvinder Singh Kang were among the delegation, along with MLA Dinesh Chadha.

The Union Ministry of Education’s notification dated October 28, 2025, which lowered the Senate’s statutory strength from 90 to just 31 members—13 of whom would be directly appointed by the Center—was sharply criticized by the delegation. The AAP characterized this as an outright assault on the democratic rights, autonomy, and identity of Punjab and Punjab University.

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Following the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “The democratic system of Punjab University, which has been operating effectively for the past 60 years, has been completely destroyed by the BJP-led Central Government. The Center seeks to take over Punjab’s educational institutions by weakening the Senate and disbanding the Syndicate. The BJP has now turned its attention to our university after attempting to seize the BBMB.

Cheema went on to say that the ruling would affect lakhs of students in Punjab as well as more than 200 associated colleges. This is an attack on Punjab’s dignity and an effort to eradicate Punjabiyat; it’s not just about one university. After withdrawing the initial notification, the Center sent out a second one a few minutes later, leaving it “pending.” He claimed that this double game demonstrates their genuine goal of undermining Punjab University’s independence.

Malvinder Singh Kang, an AAP MP, said that the Centre’s notification was unconstitutional and in violation of the Punjab Legislative Assembly’s 1947 Panjab University Act. “Institutions created by a State Act cannot be changed or disbanded by the Ministry of Education. Punjab University has a historical, constitutional, and emotional bond with Punjab and is a vestige of the pre-Partition era. There would be fierce opposition to the BJP’s attempt to overthrow this democratic system, Kang declared.

MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer echoed the sentiment, saying, “Punjab University became the first institution that signified our rebirth after Partition, when Punjabis lost their homes and heritage in Lahore. It is more than just a university; it is an integral element of Punjab’s culture and history. In addition to being unlawful, the Center’s persistent meddling is incredibly callous toward Punjabis’ feelings.

Hayer emphasized that without Punjab’s approval, the University’s legal position as an interstate body corporate cannot be changed. “The Center is playing with fire by avoiding interaction with the Punjab Government. He cautioned that such actions have already incited resentment among educators, students, and the academic community.

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The group called on Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to step in and protect Punjab University’s independence, democratic system, and cultural character. The AAP’s memorandum called for the permanent revocation of the Center’s 28 October notification and the misleading 4 November deferment order, as well as the restoration of the Senate and Syndicate to their full democratic makeup in accordance with the Punjab Reorganization Act of 1966 and the Punjab University Act of 1947.

The Bhagwant Mann Government, Punjab’s students, educators, and academic associations will continue this democratic fight to defend Punjab’s institutions and identity against Central overreach, the AAP reaffirmed.