3 hrs ago
Rahul Gandhi May Visit Pune as MPSC Protests Intensify
Students and people preparing for Maharashtra government exams are protesting in Pune.
They want changes to the exams, and many are calling for MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar to resign.
They have also raised concerns about alleged exam paper leaks.
Politician Rohit Pawar said Rahul Gandhi may visit them on October 7 or 8.
Pawar said protesters may decide on further action if the government does not respond in a way they support.
Possible actions include blocking a road or marching to Mumbai.
The government has removed an MPSC secretary from his deputation.
It has also promised a judicial inquiry into the commission’s functioning within three months.
Rahul Gandhi may meet MPSC students and aspirants in Pune on October 7 or 8, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said.
Protesters have varied demands, including changing the format of MPSC examinations, but their main demand is the resignation of chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
The protests are taking place at three locations in Pune, and allegations of paper leaks have been raised.
Pawar said protesters would consider further action, potentially a road blockade or a march to Mumbai, depending on the government’s response.
The government has ended MPSC secretary Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar’s deputation and announced a judicial inquiry to be conducted within three months.
- Who
- MPSC students and aspirants are protesting; NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said Rahul Gandhi may visit them.
- What
- Protesters are seeking MPSC reforms, including the resignation of chairman Vivek Bhimanwar amid allegations of paper leaks.
- Where
- Pune, Maharashtra.
- When
- The report is dated October 5; Gandhi may visit on October 7 or 8. The government said the inquiry would take place within three months.
- Why
- Protesters are demanding changes to MPSC examinations and raising allegations of paper leaks and concerns about the commission’s functioning.
Protesters’ demands
Government’s stated response
MPSC leadership and accountability
Protesters’ demands
Protesters’ main demand is the resignation of chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, amid allegations of paper leaks.
Government’s stated response
The government announced a judicial inquiry into the functioning of former and incumbent MPSC chairpersons and members, saying further action would depend on its findings.
Response to the protests
Protesters’ demands
Rohit Pawar said protesters may consider a road blockade or march to Mumbai if the government does not decide in favour of students.
Government’s stated response
The government has said it will hold a judicial inquiry within three months; the report does not specify a further government response to the protesters’ demands.
Key facts
- Protest locations
- Three locations in Pune
- Possible visit
- Rahul Gandhi may visit on October 7 or 8, according to Rohit Pawar
- Main demand
- Resignation of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar
- Other demand
- Changes to the objective or descriptive format of MPSC examinations
- Government action
- Ended the deputation of MPSC secretary Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar
- Judicial inquiry
- The government said an inquiry into the functioning of former and incumbent MPSC chairpersons and members would be conducted within three months
- Possible next steps
- A road blockade or a march to Mumbai, Pawar said, would be considered with protesters
Quotes
Rohit Pawar
NCP (SP) MLA who joined the Pune protest
“We have learnt that Rahul Gandhi is likely to come by October 7 or October 8. Congress leaders from its youth wing are also agitating here, and they are in contact with Rahul Gandhi’s team in Delhi.”
theprint.in
“If the state government does not take a decision in favour of the students at the cabinet meeting, we will have to take some different course of action.”
theprint.in
Sources
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