The MPSC student protest in Pune intensified on Saturday as aspirants banged plates and spoons to protest what they described as the government’s failure to respond to their demands, including the resignation of Maharashtra Public Service Commission chairman Vivek Bhimanwar and recruitment to 70,000 posts.
The students have been sitting on the streets for 10 days and said they would not withdraw the agitation unless the MPSC chairman resigned. They warned that the protest would be intensified if the government did not take steps to address their demands.
The agitation has centred on alleged question-paper leaks, examinations being repeatedly postponed and delays in recruitment through the state commission. Protesters are gathering near the Garware College area by the S M Joshi Bridge, where the agitation is being conducted under the leadership of MLA Rohit Pawar. Students are also protesting on Lal Bahadur Shastri Road.
The students said that no decision had been taken despite the protest continuing for 10 days. They also objected to cases and notices allegedly being issued against participants. The allegations and demands were reported by Lokmat – Pune; the report did not include a response from the Maharashtra government or the MPSC chairman.
Rohit Pawar alleged that police action was being taken against students participating in the protest. “I have been sitting at the protest site 24 hours a day for the last 10 days. I speak the most aggressively. Then why are you taking action against the students? If action is to be taken, take it against me,” he said, according to the report.
Pawar said he met senior police officials at the Vishrambaug police station over the issue. He also submitted applications seeking permission for the protest. The report said he alleged that students were being booked and served notices even though he was participating as an elected representative.
The students said they were ready for discussions with the government but wanted the government to take the initiative. “The government should take one step forward; we are also ready for discussions. The issue can be resolved through dialogue,” they said, while warning of a more intense agitation if a solution was not reached soon.
Members of the transgender community also extended support to the protesters. Disha Sheikh said the community fully supported the students’ campaign for what she described as their legitimate rights.
A dispute also arose after police brought a mobile-jammer vehicle to the protest site. Pawar objected that the jammer would prevent the protest from being livestreamed and suggested that the students consider moving to Tilak Chowk. The immediate next step reported by the students is continued protest and a demand for government-led talks.
