On the evening of October 2, a large crowd of MPSC aspirants gathered on the S.M. Bridge over the Mutha River in Pune, forming a makeshift protest site. The assembly, which grew to roughly 500‑700 students, included a hunger strike by seven participants seated on the bridge’s stage. Many protesters, especially women, declined to be photographed or quoted, citing concerns about future identification during the MPSC interview process.
The protest, which began on October 1, centers on allegations of corruption in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s recruitment process. Organisers demand the resignation of Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar and the filling of 70,000 vacancies. They also call for a system similar to Rajasthan’s, where candidates take four exams for ₹1,100, and for the cancellation of the recent 2026 exam paper leaks that affected Group C and Group B posts.
Students describe the financial strain of preparing for the exams. Amol, a 24‑year‑old from Akola, now spends ₹11,000‑₹12,000 a month on living expenses, up from ₹9,000‑₹9,900, while Rushikesh Dhode, 25, has worked nights in a clothing store to support his studies after depleting his savings. Vaishnavi Jadhav, a farmer’s daughter from Marathwada, highlighted how a leaked paper undermined her preparation and raised doubts about the fairness of the selection process.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said the students’ demands had been met after a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, yet the protest continued. The police issued a notice declaring the agitation illegal, but the students ignored it. The matter was taken to the Bombay High Court, where the police argued that the students’ alternative venue request was rejected. Political figures, including Shiv Sena and opposition MLA Rohit Pawar, voiced support for the protesters, citing alleged conflicts of interest involving the MPSC chairman. The protest remains ongoing as the students await further action.
