Daijiworld Media Network - Pune
Pune, Oct 12: Students protesting against alleged question paper leaks and demanding the resignation of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) chairman have called off their 11-day agitation in Pune following intervention by state minister Shivendraraje Bhosale.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had deputed Bhosale to mediate between the state government and the protesting students and find an amicable solution. His intervention reportedly helped break the deadlock, with the minister reaching the protest site carrying the government's proposal.
Bhosale was entrusted with the responsibility because of his calm and approachable demeanour, with the government reportedly keen to ensure constructive dialogue on the sensitive issue. He presented the official proposal prepared by the chief minister and the deputy chief ministers, seeking to address the students' concerns.
The agitation had received support from Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Rohit Pawar, who not only backed the students but also joined them at the protest site. Congress MLA Vishwajeet Kadam and Vivekanand Patil were among the other prominent figures associated with the agitation.
The students had been demanding action over alleged MPSC examination paper leaks, along with the resignation of the commission's chairman. Their protest had continued for 11 days before the government's intervention led to a breakthrough.
According to reports, Bhosale's ability to engage with the protesters without escalating tensions was a key consideration behind his appointment as mediator. His association with the Chhatrapati royal lineage was also seen as contributing to the respect he commanded among sections of the students.
The government's approach contrasted with the criticism directed at Rohit Pawar by senior state minister Chandrakant Patil during the agitation. Bhosale, meanwhile, had refrained from making harsh remarks against the protesting students.
Bhosale's role has also prompted comparisons with minister Girish Mahajan, who had previously been assigned by Fadnavis to intervene in politically sensitive situations and help resolve disputes. Bhosale's successful engagement with the MPSC protesters suggests that he could increasingly be entrusted with similar responsibilities.
The decision to call off the agitation follows the government's intervention, although the specific details of the proposed measures and the implementation timeline were not provided in the supplied report.