Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Panjab University Student Group Faces Internal Division Over Regional Ownership
Students at Panjab University have a group called the PU Bachao Morcha that was trying to get student government elections started and stop outside political influence.
But one of the main students in this group, Mohit Manderana, quit.
He said the group started arguing about whether the university belonged only to Punjab or if Haryana and other places should also have a say, which he thinks is wrong.
Mohit believes the fight should be about saving the university for everyone, not about which state owns it.
Another student leader, Ashmit Singh, respects Mohit’s decision but disagrees, saying that when they say the university belongs to Punjab, they mean it in terms of culture and location.
Mohit also thinks students should be able to vote for leaders in the university's Senate, just like teachers and staff.
This disagreement shows that the student group might be splitting up over these different ideas.
Key member Mohit Manderana resigned from the PU Bachao Morcha, citing a loss of direction and divisive rhetoric.
Manderana alleged the movement, originally formed to defend Panjab University, had become a 'Punjab versus Haryana' issue.
He argued that Panjab University historically belonged to the broader 'Maha Punjab' region and should not be claimed solely by Punjab.
PUCSC vice-president Ashmit Singh respected Manderana's decision but disagreed with his assessment of the movement's focus.
Manderana also emphasized the importance of student representation in the University Senate.
- Who
- Mohit Manderana (student leader), PU Bachao Morcha, Ashmit Singh (PUCSC vice-president)
- What
- Resignation of a key member from the PU Bachao Morcha due to alleged divisive rhetoric and a shift in the movement's focus from university preservation to regional ownership.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- Panjab University (PU) campus
- Why
- Manderana resigned, stating the movement had lost its original direction and become a 'Punjab versus Haryana' issue, moving away from defending the university from political interference.
Mohit Manderana (Resigned Member)
PU Bachao Morcha Leadership (represented by Ashmit Singh)
Movement's Focus
Mohit Manderana (Resigned Member)
The movement has lost direction and become divisive, shifting from saving Panjab University to a regional 'Punjab versus Haryana' issue.
PU Bachao Morcha Leadership (represented by Ashmit Singh)
When we say PU belongs to Punjab, we mean it culturally and geographically.
University Ownership
Mohit Manderana (Resigned Member)
Panjab University historically belonged to the undivided 'Maha Punjab' region, and claiming it solely for Punjab is inaccurate and unfair. The university was meant to be shared.
PU Bachao Morcha Leadership (represented by Ashmit Singh)
The statement 'PU belongs to Punjab' is understood in a cultural and geographical context, not as exclusive ownership.
Student Representation
Mohit Manderana (Resigned Member)
Students are the largest stakeholders and should have representation in the Senate, similar to teachers and staff.
PU Bachao Morcha Leadership (represented by Ashmit Singh)
While respecting Manderana's decision, Ashmit Singh disagreed with his views on the movement's direction.
- Student Group
- PU Bachao Morcha
- Resigning Member
- Mohit Manderana (Joint Secretary, PUCSC)
- Allegation
- Movement shifted focus from saving PU to divisive Punjab-Haryana rhetoric.
- Morcha's Original Goal
- Push for Senate elections and defend university's democratic structure against political interference.
- Key Organizations in Morcha
- SATH, SFS, PSU (Lalkar), NSUI, AISA, SOI
