Challenges Pb BJP leaders to demonstrate commitment to state's welfare by visiting PU & apologizing to students
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Punjab Finance Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Harpal Singh Cheema, on Monday vehemently condemned the central Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government's brutality against students at Panjab University (PU). Addressing a press conference here, he accused the BJP of harbouring hatred towards Punjab and Punjabis, and of attempting to destabilise the state to push it back into a dark period.
Finance Minister issued a stern warning to the BJP, invoking the historical example of Alexander, stating that whenever Punjab has been attacked, Punjabis have delivered a crushing response. He also challenged Punjab BJP leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the state's welfare by visiting Panjab University and apologizing to the students.
The Finance Minister asserted that the BJP is repeatedly conspiring to disrupt the state's atmosphere by attacking the interests, rights, and sentiments of Punjabis. He cited a pattern of actions, including the introduction of the three controversial farm laws, which the Modi government was ultimately forced to withdraw due to peaceful protest by Punjabis, the subsequent challenge to Punjabi dignity over the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) issue, and now, the targeting of Panjab University. He stated that the sole motive behind such actions is to reignite a "bloody game" in the state. He declared that Punjab is the land of Gurus and saints, and the BJP will not succeed in sowing the seeds of hatred here.
Cabinet Minister Cheema specifically detailed the attempts to undermine the university's democratic structure, noting that the BJP first issued a notification to abolish the Senate, then withdrew it following widespread opposition. He further added that by delaying the Senate elections for 2 years, the BJP now intends to implement its 'vote-stealing formula' at the university as well.
The AAP leader expressed deep anguish over the police lathi-charge on girl students who were protesting peacefully to demand the announcement of the date for the long-delayed Senate elections. He highlighted the sealing of all routes leading to Chandigarh from Punjab, which was an attempt to prevent people from peacefully protesting the BJP's 'heinous act'. The Minister recounted the indignity suffered by the students during the police action, with turbans being disrespected and the clothes of young men and women being mishandled.
Cheema reminded the nation of Punjabis' spirit, noting that they have never oppressed anyone, but have always rushed to aid others in times of disaster, whether during natural calamities in Gujarat or crises in other countries worldwide. Citing the wars of 1962, 1965, 1971, and recent conflicts, he stressed that Punjabis have always endured losses and bravely confronted the nation's enemies. He questioned whether the BJP-led Central Government would continue to repay this profound contribution with such hatred.
Reiterating the Aam Aadmi Party's unwavering support for the Panjab University students, Senior AAP leader Harpal Singh Cheema said that party leaders, including party MPs Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Malvinder Singh Kang, the latter is also a former Senate member, had met the students to support their struggle. He said that AAP will not allow BJP to succeed in its attempt to harm this esteemed University of Punjab or hard-earned peace in the state. He concluded by directly challenging the Punjab BJP leaders, asking them if they would act with self-respect and stand with the PU students, or continue to bow their heads to save their positions.