MPSC Protest: Rohit Pawar Gives Maharashtra Government 48-Hour Ultimatum, Warns of Pune Shutdown

Pawar, who has been participating in the protest since it began, said failure to address the students' concerns could lead to a much larger mobilisation in Pune. He claimed that more than one lakh aspirants could gather in the city and either call for a complete Pune shutdown or march towards the Mantralaya in Mumbai.

The MLA said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was likely to meet the protesting aspirants on October 7 or 8, when a major gathering of students was expected.

"We are giving the government a two-day ultimatum," Pawar said, adding that the decision on whether to enforce a Pune bandh or march to Mumbai would ultimately be taken by the students and their parents.

Pawar alleged that the current agitation was rooted in wider concerns over transparency and corruption within the recruitment system. He called for Bhimanwar's resignation and demanded a comprehensive review of the MPSC's recruitment and examination procedures.

The confrontation has also drawn a response from BJP leader and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane, who appealed to Pawar to maintain a dialogue and avoid turning the students' agitation into a political battle.

Rane said the issue concerned the future of lakhs of aspirants and should not be treated as a political platform. He also described Pawar as a friend and suggested that the two could potentially work together in government in the future.

Pawar rejected the remarks, saying the minister should focus instead on meeting the students and resolving their grievances. He accused the ruling establishment of becoming concerned over growing public anger and said Rane should demand action against those responsible for the issues raised by the aspirants.

"If you foresee us in government, then show the courage to sit in the Opposition now. When our government comes to power, we can work together," Pawar said.

He also challenged Rane to seek the resignation of Bhimanwar and push for reforms within the commission.

"If you do this, all the students, along with me, will certainly express our gratitude to you," Pawar said, while questioning Rane's suggestion of working together in government.

The protest gained further momentum on Sunday when Abhijeet Dipke called for an escalation of the agitation and appealed to MPSC aspirants across Pune to join the movement.

Dipke urged students to bring their friends and fellow aspirants to the protest, arguing that a large-scale mobilisation could force the authorities to act on the demand for the MPSC chairman's resignation. He also called on aspirants from Vidarbha and other parts of Maharashtra to join the movement.

The agitation, however, has reportedly seen differences emerge among protesters over the various demands being raised, with the movement now divided into three groups.

The protest has also attracted political attention, with leaders from several parties visiting the aspirants. Congress state president Harshwardhan Sapkal and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut are among those who have met the protesters.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar has also taken note of the agitation. MNS chief Raj Thackeray is scheduled to meet the protesting aspirants later on Monday, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray is expected to visit them on Tuesday. Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil is also scheduled to meet the protesters.

The growing political involvement has added another dimension to the MPSC agitation, even as the aspirants continue to press the government over their demands concerning the functioning and transparency of the recruitment process.