Former health minister and senior Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu on Monday (November 3, 2025) said the BJP-led central government’s move to reconstitute the ‘Syndicate and Senate’ of Panjab University has once again exposed the “anti-Punjab face” of the BJP. Mr Sidhu said that under the pretext of improving the functioning of Panjab University, the Central Government has almost abolished the representation of teachers, principals and alumni in its Syndicate and Senate, converting them into nominated bodies now under its direct control. “This historic institution of Punjab is now ‘Punjab University’ in name only, in practice it has completely transformed into a central university,” he said in a statement.

He alleged that the BJP government intends to eliminate or significantly reduce Punjab’s representation in every institution, like BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board), so that Punjab can no longer influence their decisions. Taking aim at the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, Mr Sidhu said, “It is because of the AAP government’s lack of commitment towards Punjab and Punjabis that the Central government dared to take this step.

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