Punjab University is the heritage of Punjab; there is no need to change its name" – Advocate Rajinder Pal Anand

June 1,Patiala – Today, Shri Rajinder Pal Anand, former DSP, Advocate, State President of Punjab Police Family Welfare Association Punjab, and Senior Vice President of Khatri Mahasabha Punjab, issued a statement saying that the demand made by Haryana Congress MP Deepender Hooda to rename Punjab University to Chandigarh University is baseless. He stated that this demand is an attack on the heritage and identity of Punjab and Punjabis.Shri Rajinder Pal Anand emphasized that Punjab University is a cultural and historical heritage of Punjab and Punjabis, and it is situated in Chandigarh—a city established by displacing villages from Punjab. He accused political leaders from Haryana of raising such issues only to divert public attention from real concerns.He described the demand to change the university's name as baseless and politically motivated, aiming not to resolve people’s concerns but to create unnecessary controversy. He urged people to avoid such unsubstantiated issues in the interest of maintaining peace, harmony, and brotherhood.He also warned that if any injustice is done to Punjab in this matter, outside interference will not be tolerated. If necessary, protests will be held on the streets against such actions.Rajinder Pal Anand pointed out that some political leaders in Haryana are trying to stir up unnecessary controversy, even though Haryana's colleges voluntarily disaffiliated from Punjab University in 1973 under the leadership of then Chief Minister Bansi Lal. More than 50 years have passed since then, and Haryana has no association with Punjab University.He questioned those in Haryana who are trying to create this controversy, asking on what grounds they are claiming ownership of Punjab University or demanding a name change. He stated that if some leaders in Haryana want a university named Chandigarh, they should establish a new university rather than eyeing Punjab University."Punjab University belongs solely to Punjab. We will never tolerate any external interference in matters related to Punjab University in Chandigarh. We will not allow its name to be changed or its identity to be weakened. If needed, we will collectively take to the streets in protest," he concluded.