Rohit Pawar Challenges Pune Protest Restrictions, Backs Student March
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar has criticised the restrictions on public gatherings in Pune, questioning their timing ahead of a planned student protest over alleged irregularities in MPSC examinations. He also accused the police of pressuring teachers supporting the students, allegations that have not been independently established.
Source: rohit-pawar-pune-protest-restrictions-student-march
Pune: NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar has questioned the Pune administration’s decision to impose restrictions on public gatherings, arguing that the move could affect students planning to protest over their concerns regarding the Maharashtra Public Service Commission.
Speaking at a press conference in Pune, Pawar questioned why restrictions were being enforced when students and teachers were preparing to come together and raise issues related to competitive examinations. He suggested that the administration should allow students to voice their concerns through peaceful protests.
Pawar also questioned whether similar restrictions were being applied consistently to political gatherings in the city. He pointed to recent large political events and asked why comparable action was not taken in those instances.
The MLA further alleged that teachers who had approached the police with complaints related to examination irregularities were being pressured. He claimed they were threatened with possible GST-related checks and building audits. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The controversy comes amid growing concerns among MPSC aspirants over alleged irregularities in examinations. Students and teachers have been seeking greater transparency and a detailed investigation into their complaints. Pawar has supported their demands and called for action against those responsible for any wrongdoing.
Pawar also criticised the police over broader law-and-order concerns in Pune. He argued that greater attention should be given to criminal activity in the city and the alleged activities of the so-called Koyta Gang rather than restricting students seeking to raise their concerns.
According to reports, students and teachers are preparing for a protest march in Pune on September 7. Pawar said the movement would continue and indicated that the students remained determined to press for their demands.
The dispute has now turned the restrictions on public gatherings into another point of political contention, with the opposition questioning whether the measures are being used disproportionately against student protesters.