Pune, 6th October 2026: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is likely to meet Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants protesting in Pune on October 7 or 8, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said. The protests have intensified over demands for reforms in the MPSC examination system and the resignation of Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
MPSC aspirants are currently protesting at three locations in Pune. Their demands include clarity over the examination pattern, with students divided over whether MPSC exams should follow an objective or descriptive format. The main demand at the protest supported by Rohit Pawar is the resignation of Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar amid allegations of paper leaks and irregularities.
Rohit Pawar, who joined the protest, said political leaders from different parties had visited the agitation sites on their own and were not formally invited by the students.
He urged the state government to take a decision on the MPSC chairman’s resignation. Pawar also warned that if the government failed to address the students’ concerns, the protesters could consider further action, including a road blockade or a march towards Mumbai.
Pawar said Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Pune on October 7 or 8 and meet the protesting aspirants. He said Congress youth leaders participating in the agitation are in contact with Gandhi’s team in Delhi.
The possible visit comes as the MPSC protest has received support from leaders across political parties. However, the students’ demands remain focused on examination reforms, transparency and accountability in the commission’s functioning.
The Maharashtra government has terminated the deputation of MPSC Secretary Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar amid allegations concerning paper leaks and irregularities in the commission’s examinations.
The government has also announced a judicial inquiry into the functioning of the current and former MPSC chairpersons and members. The inquiry is to be conducted under Article 317 of the Constitution and is expected to be completed within three months. Further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
The government’s decisions followed a meeting between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a delegation of MPSC aspirants on September 30. The government also assured students of measures related to recruitment and the conduct of examinations.
With the protests continuing in Pune, the next steps are expected to depend on the government’s response to the demand for action against the MPSC chairman and on further discussions with the protesting students.