‘Let Pune Shut Down If Govt Refuses To Act’: CJP Chief Abhijeet Dipke Backs MPSC Agitation

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Citizens for Justice Party (CJP), expressed strong support for the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) students' agitation in Pune. He called for a complete shutdown of the city if the government failed to address the students' demands and ensure accountability over alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.

Dipke criticized the state government and the functioning of the MPSC, alleging that the credibility of the commission had been severely damaged and questioning the appointment of its chairman.

Dipke highlighted the irony of educated youngsters with degrees being forced to protest on the streets while those without degrees occupied positions of power. He sarcastically suggested that conducting bids for question papers could be as transparent as bidding for players in the IPL. Dipke invoked the Constitution and the legacy of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, emphasizing the importance of civic education and the need for free and fair elections.

He targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, accusing the government of using appointments for political and financial benefits. Dipke questioned the number of departments under Fadnavis' control and whether government machinery was being used to influence political loyalties. He also criticized the shifting of industries from Maharashtra to Gujarat and urged students not to entertain suicidal thoughts, expressing concern for their mental well-being.

Dipke supported the students' decision to continue their agitation despite the possibility of facing criminal cases. He urged students across Pune to join the protest and bring the city to a standstill, claiming that a single day of mass protest could lead to the resignation of key officials. Dipke threatened to take legal action if necessary and used a cricketing reference, challenging MPSC officials to "let us take the wickets of Gyanu and Bhimanwar together."