1 hr ago
Fadnavis Seeks Panel as MPSC Paper Leak Protests Escalate
Students are protesting in Pune over concerns about the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, or MPSC.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the governor to set up an inquiry panel.
He wants a retired High Court judge to lead it and report within three months.
The panel would examine current and former MPSC members and chairpersons.
Protest leader Rohit Pawar has given the government 48 hours to meet the students’ demands, including removing the MPSC chairman.
He warned that more than 100,000 students could join further protests.
Manoj Jarange Patil and Raj Thackeray visited the protest site and spoke in support of sustained pressure.
Rahul Gandhi may meet the students on October 7 or 8.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recommended a high-level inquiry panel to Governor Jishnu Dev Varma.
Fadnavis proposed that a retired High Court judge lead the panel and that it report within three months.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar gave the state government 48 hours to meet protesters’ demands, including removing MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
Pawar warned that more than 100,000 students could protest in Pune, either through a citywide shutdown or a march to Mumbai’s Mantralaya.
Activists Manoj Jarange Patil and Raj Thackeray visited the protest site; Jarange warned the agitation could grow, while Thackeray urged sustained pressure.
- Who
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, MPSC protest leaders and students, and current and former MPSC members and chairpersons.
- What
- Fadnavis recommended an inquiry panel, while protesters demanded government action, including the removal of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
- Where
- The protest is at SM Joshi Bridge in Pune; a proposed march could go to the Mantralaya in Mumbai.
- When
- Fadnavis made the recommendation on Monday; Pawar issued a 48-hour ultimatum. Rahul Gandhi may meet aspirants on October 7 or 8.
- Why
- The protest concerns an MPSC paper leak case and students’ demands for action by the state government.
Protesters’ demands
Government’s proposed response
Action over the MPSC case
Protesters’ demands
Rohit Pawar and protesters demanded immediate action, including removal of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, and threatened larger demonstrations if demands were not met.
Government’s proposed response
Fadnavis recommended an inquiry panel led by a retired High Court judge to examine current and former MPSC members and chairpersons, with a report due within three months.
Pressure on the government
Protesters’ demands
Jarange Patil warned the agitation could escalate, and Raj Thackeray called for sustained pressure on the government.
Government’s proposed response
The reported government response was Fadnavis’s recommendation to the governor; the article does not give a response to the protest ultimatum.
Key facts
- Proposed panel chair
- A retired High Court judge
- Proposed reporting deadline
- Within three months
- Ultimatum
- Rohit Pawar gave the state government 48 hours to address the demands.
- Demand highlighted
- Immediate removal of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar
- Potential protest turnout
- Pawar warned that over 100,000 students could take to the streets.
- Possible protest actions
- A total Pune Bandh or a mass march to the Mantralaya in Mumbai
- Possible Rahul Gandhi meeting
- October 7 or 8
Quotes
Manoj Jarange Patil
Maratha reservation activist who visited the MPSC students’ protest site
“I alone am enough to take on the government. Just give me a call and see – I will shut down Maharashtra for you, otherwise, just wait and watch.”
freepressjournal.in
“Only two years are left now for you, CM ji. Once you are down with votes after two years from now, we will never choose you back.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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