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Chandigarh, Nov 1 (IANS) Criticizing the BJP-led central government for its decision to unilaterally dissolve the 59-year-old Senate and Syndicate of Panjab University in Chandigarh, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Saturday termed it a brazen attack on the state’s pride, democracy and intelligence.
“This is not governance, this is political barbarity. The Centre’s reckless move tramples on Punjab’s hard-earned autonomy, academic freedom and constitutional rights. This is a blatant attack on the soul of Punjab,” Bains said.
The Education Minister highlighted the historical and emotional significance of Punjab University, which has been built and nurtured through decades of collective efforts, sweat, intellectual prowess and sacrifices of the state. He questioned the motive behind the sudden dissolution, pointing to the overwhelming mandate given by the people of Punjab in the last Senate elections.
“How dare the Center destroy a six-decade-old democratic institution?” Bains raised the question highlighting that in the last Senate elections for the Graduate constituency, the people of Punjab elected their representatives by winning all the seats. “This was a clear decision of the people. Now, the BJP-led central government which could not win confidence at the ballot box, wants to choose its favorites and turn this prestigious university into a political playground.”
Calling the move not an administrative reform but an “act of occupation”, the minister said in a statement that “there is a dangerous design behind the decision to centralize control, crush the distinctive voice of Punjab and systematically rewrite the principles of federalism enshrined in the Indian Constitution”.
The Education Minister stressed that this is a blatant attempt to suppress dissent and eliminate states’ rights. “But Punjab will not succumb to this authoritarian excess.” He vowed that the Punjab government, united with the academic community, teachers, students and staff, will strongly oppose the Centre’s move on every democratic platform and will explore all legal and constitutional avenues to protect the heritage of Punjab and its rights.
He said that Punjab University “belongs to Punjab, its people, its history and its future. It does not belong to some distant, authoritarian center that wants to silence it. The people of Punjab will not allow this political barbarism to stand.”
–IANS
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