As MPSC protests intensify, Pune BJP warns Rohit Pawar against bandh

The BJP in Pune issued a warning to NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar against organizing a city-wide strike, amid ongoing protests by MPSC aspirants in the city. Pawar and the aspirants have been demanding the resignation of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar. The NCP(SP) leader reportedly threatened that if their demand is not met within the next two days, they will call for a Pune bandh, which would halt all activities in the city.

Mayor Manjusha Nagpure and BJP leader Ganesh Bidkar responded to Pawar's statement, asserting that they had been informed about the likely Pune bandh in connection with the MPSC protest. They warned that those who initiate a bandh will face opposition as they aim to maintain normal life for citizens. Nagpure stated that while democratic rights allow for protests, she believed the motivation behind the call was politically driven.

She also noted that the involvement of political leaders such as MNS chief Raj Thackeray, Shiv Sena(UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, and Congress and NCP(SP) leaders suggests a politicization of the issue.

Nagpure argued that the MPSC aspirants should address their concerns with the Maharashtra government, rather than disrupting the lives of Pune's citizens. She pointed out that Chief Minister Devendra Fadanavis had already discussed the issue of MPSC aspirants' demands, implying that the need for a protest in Pune was unnecessary.