The MPSC student agitation in Pune entered its tenth day with brief tension at the S M Joshi Bridge protest site after police brought a mobile jammer vehicle to the location on Friday, October 10. The jammers were later switched off following discussions between police and a delegation of protesting students.
The students are demanding the resignation of Maharashtra Public Service Commission president Vivek Bhimnawar and action to start the recruitment process for 70,000 posts. They have said they will not withdraw the protest without the resignation, while also indicating that they are willing to discuss their other demands with the authorities.
The immediate tension began after students were told that live broadcasting from the protest site would not be possible. MLA Rohit Pawar spoke with the protesters and suggested that they move to Tilak Chowk. A discussion between the student delegation and police continued for about an hour, after which the mobile jammers were turned off.
The agitation is being held at the S M Joshi Bridge and along Lal Bahadur Shastri Road in Pune. Students have raised concerns over alleged paper leaks in MPSC examinations, examinations being repeatedly postponed, recruitment remaining pending, and the educational and financial losses faced by candidates. They have maintained that the protest will continue even after cases were registered against some students, according to the report.
The protesters include candidates from ordinary and farming families who are preparing for competitive examinations despite financial difficulties. They said they would prefer to study and build their futures rather than fight with the government, but warned that the agitation would continue if their demands were ignored.
During the tenth day of the protest, students used plates and spoons to create a loud demonstration against what they described as the government’s failure to acknowledge their concerns. Rohit Pawar also briefly participated with the candidates during songs used at the protest.
The agitation has received support from people across caste and religious communities, as well as from members of the transgender community. Disha Shaikh said the transgender community supported the students’ demand for justice and urged the government to respond positively. Congress city president Deepti Choudhari also backed the protest and criticised the handling of the students, calling for a sensitive resolution of their concerns.
The students’ position remains that the protest will not be withdrawn without the MPSC president’s resignation. Their delegation has, however, expressed readiness to discuss the demands with the authorities. The next steps will depend on further discussions between the protesters, police and the government.
