Pune, 6th October 2026: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Monday visited the MPSC protest in Pune and extended his support to the protesting aspirants. However, he also spoke candidly to the students, asking them to understand the limitations of the government and the recruitment process instead of relying only on protests and hunger strikes.
Speaking to the protesters, Thackeray said students should not assume that a change in government would automatically lead to the recruitment of 70,000 candidates.
He said, "Keep in mind that even if another government comes to power, it will not be possible to immediately fill 70,000 posts."
Thackeray also said that removing Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar is not entirely within the state government's powers. According to him, the process has to follow the constitutional provisions under Article 317, involving the Governor and, where applicable, the Supreme Court.
He asked representatives of the protesting students to come to Mumbai on October 9 or 10 for further discussions. He also invited the students to his residence, Shiv Teerth, to discuss their demands and work towards a solution.
The development comes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recommended action against former and current MPSC chairpersons and members to Governor Jishnu Dev Varma.
The state government has proposed constituting a committee headed by a retired High Court judge to examine the matter. The committee has been asked to submit its report within three months, following which further action can be considered based on its findings.
The MPSC agitation in Pune entered its sixth day, with students and some political leaders continuing their protest near the S.M. Joshi Bridge. The main demand at this location is the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar.
Protests are also underway at two other locations in the city:
Ahilyadevi Study Centre, Shastri Road: Aspirants are demanding that MPSC examinations be conducted in an objective format.
Alka Talkies Chowk: Protesters at this location are demanding descriptive-format examinations.
The protests have been driven by concerns over examination procedures and allegations surrounding paper leaks. Students have been demanding reforms in the MPSC system and accountability from the commission.
Thackeray urged the protesters to move beyond hunger strikes and focus on addressing the issue at its root. The next round of discussions with student representatives in Mumbai could determine whether the ongoing agitation moves towards a negotiated solution.
With protests continuing at multiple locations and demands varying among groups, the key question is whether the agitation will lead to concrete reforms and action against those responsible, or gradually lose momentum.
