Need to unite to ensure announcement of PU Senate elections: Pargat Singh

Chandigarh, November 10, 2025: All India Congress Committee Secretary, former Education Minister, and MLA Padma Shri Pargat Singh strongly condemned the lathi charge on students participating in the protest at Panjab University. He said it was incomprehensible why such a large police force was deployed to stop the students. He added that repeated amendments to the university notification reflect the BJP-led Central Government’s ill intent. He demanded that Senate elections be held at the earliest to resolve the issue.

Former Education Minister Pargat Singh alleged that all political parties and student groups in Punjab have so far operated on their own agendas. He remarked, “We all need to come together to demand the immediate announcement of Senate election dates. Only then can we collectively raise our voice for Punjab’s cause. If we unite, we can truly move forward.” He also thanked the students for rallying everyone on the Panjab University issue, describing the movement as a struggle for governance that the students are bravely leading.

Pargat Singh demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab reject the National Education Policy and implement its own education policy. However, he said the state government appears to be employing double standards, with a wide gap between what it says and what it does. “On one hand, the BJP is saffronizing our education system, and on the other, the Punjab government is implementing the same policy in the state. The government must clarify its stand.”

He emphasized that this is not only about Panjab University but part of a larger attempt by the Central Government to impose ideological control over the education system. This decision will not only impact the university but also 200 affiliated colleges and three regional campuses. He urged the government to release funds for these institutions and provide constructive guidance to students.

Pargat Singh also questioned the deployment of both Punjab and Haryana police in Chandigarh. He alleged that the Punjab government’s double standards have been exposed, as Punjab Police claim they did not use force against students. 

However, their deployment within the university premises raises serious suspicion. NSUI State President Isharpreeet Singh Sidhu revealed live on social media that the police had promised students a safe passage, but the situation turned violent instead. Pargat Singh demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issue a clarification regarding the police deployment.