Maharashtra Aspirants Demand Changes Amid MPSC Protests
Protesters in Maharashtra are divided over demands from the MPSC, with calls for leadership changes and examination reforms.
Protesters are split into three groups with distinct demands regarding MPSC leadership and examination formats.
A delegation met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, leading to a temporary suspension of protests.
The groups are demanding a recruitment calendar, examination centers, and a dialogue with the government.
Protests against the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) have taken a new turn as aspirants have divided into three factions, each pressing for different demands. One group is calling for the resignation of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, while another is advocating for a return to the previous multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination format. The third faction is pushing for the continuation of the current 2025 examination pattern. This division highlights the varied concerns among the aspirants regarding the examination process and leadership.
The protests gained momentum after a delegation of protesters met with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 30, 2026. Following this meeting, the protests were temporarily suspended but later resumed as the groups felt their demands were not adequately addressed. Currently, the protesters are demonstrating at three different locations: S.M. Joshi Bridge, Lal Bahadur Shastri Road near Ahilya Abhyasika, and Tilak Chowk/Alka Chowk, indicating a significant level of organization and determination among the aspirants.
A document submitted by the protesters outlines several key demands, including the recruitment of 70,000 candidates, the appointment of a new chairman after consulting with aspirants, and the establishment of examination centers. Additionally, they are calling for an investigation into alleged irregularities in past examinations. The faction demanding Bhimanwar's resignation is also seeking a system similar to that of Rajasthan, which allows candidates to take multiple examinations throughout the year using a single card.
The protests have drawn political attention, with Rohit Pawar, an MLA and leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, joining the demonstrators. He criticized the government for attempting to suppress the protests through intimidation tactics against students and coaching class operators. Pawar emphasized the need for dialogue between the government and the aspirants, stating that the protesters are undeterred by threats and are committed to continuing their agitation peacefully until their demands are met.
As the situation unfolds, the groups are set to reconvene at S.M. Joshi Bridge to strategize their next steps. They are urging the government to publish a clear examination calendar, fill vacant posts, and engage in meaningful discussions. The MPSC and the state government have yet to respond to these demands, leaving the future of the protests uncertain as aspirants await a resolution.
