Chandigarh, May 13: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) voiced strong opposition Tuesday to a new policy in Punjab-based Army schools that establishes Sanskrit as a mandatory subject while making Punjabi optional. AAP Punjab State Media Incharge Baltej Pannu affirmed that the move represents a broader effort by the central government to weaken the cultural and linguistic heritage of the state.
Baltej Pannu maintained that the residents of the state would not stand for any policy that reduces the prominence of their native language within their own borders. He declared that the decision is another instance of a persistent mindset aimed at diminishing regional rights.
“The BJP-led Central Government’s decision to make Sanskrit compulsory and Punjabi optional in Army schools across Punjab is yet another reflection of its anti-Punjab mindset,” Pannu asserted. He added that the party has consistently tried to undermine the identity of the region, but such attempts would be resisted by the public.
Pannu further noted that this development follows a series of administrative actions that have caused friction between the state and the center. He cited previous disputes regarding the control of Chandigarh, the management of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), and the status of Panjab University as evidence of a pattern.
The media incharge clarified that while the party does not harbor animosity toward any specific language, the secondary status granted to Punjabi is not acceptable. “We are people who take immense pride in our mother tongue, and we are prepared to stand firm and fight at every level to protect its dignity and honour,” Pannu stated. He concluded by calling for an immediate reversal of the policy to prevent further public resentment.
