Chandigarh, November 27, 2025 — In a major breakthrough, the Centre has formally cleared the path for Panjab University (PU) Senate elections, putting an end — at least partially — to weeks of unrest on the campus. The Vice President of India, who is also the Chancellor of PU, approved the election schedule, bringing relief to protesting students and activists who had waged a prolonged struggle to restore democratic governance at the university.
Student Protests and Political Backlash
The crisis began in late October when the Centre issued a series of notifications restructuring the Senate and Syndicate of PU. The move, widely criticised as an attempt to centralise power and dilute democratic representation, triggered protests across the campus and beyond.
Between October 30 and November 7, the Centre issued four separate notifications, only to withdraw the controversial decision after widespread criticism. Yet, students continued their agitation, demanding the formal announcement of elections that had been pending since October 2024. Anti-BJP student groups and regional organisations, including Nihang bodies affiliated with Quami Insaaf Morcha, joined the protest, amplifying the pressure on authorities.
A Historic Approval
On Thursday evening, the PU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig, received official communication from the Vice President approving the Senate election schedule. The elections are now set to proceed in a phased manner throughout 2026:
- Principals and Staff: September 7, 2026
- Teachers’ Constituencies: September 14, 2026
- Heads and Faculty of Arts Colleges: September 20, 2026
- Registered Graduate Constituency: September 20, 2026
- Vote Counting: September 22, 2026
- Faculty Elections: October 4, 2026
The first official poll notification is expected in January 2026.
Mixed Reactions on Campus
Students celebrated the announcement at the protest site, some calling friends and leaders to share the news. “Our core demand has finally been acknowledged,” said a student leader of the PU Bachao Morcha. Despite the victory, the group has not formally decided to end their ongoing dharna, citing remaining demands such as the withdrawal of FIRs and academic relief.
I congratulate all the students, staff, and alumni of Panjab University on their milestone victory in forcing the Government of India to announce the schedule for Senate elections.
— Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) November 27, 2025
This victory has been made possible by the strength of unity demonstrated by students through a… pic.twitter.com/AMZrppDrRd
Prof. Renu Vig, visiting the protest site, appealed to students to end the agitation, stating that the university’s democratic processes had been restored.
What This Means
The approval is widely seen as a victory for student activism and campus democracy. PU’s pre-overhaul democratic structure has been reinstated, marking a crucial turning point in a confrontation that united students, political groups, and social organisations across Punjab against the Centre.
While the Senate election schedule provides relief, authorities and students will continue dialogue over unresolved issues. Meanwhile, the university gears up to conduct its elections, promising a return to normalcy in its administrative and academic affairs.