Raj Thackeray backs MPSC aspirants' protest in Pune, says 'I share your anger'
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Monday extended his support to the ongoing agitation by MPSC aspirants in Pune, saying he "shares their anger".
Demonstrations are being held at three locations in Pune with disparate demands, including an objective or descriptive format of MPSC examinations. However, the main demand is the resignation of MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar amid allegations of paper leaks.
"Everyone and every political party is coming here to support you, but I have come here to take part in your anger. Do not let this anger be momentary," Thackeray told the protesting students.
He urged the aspirants not to get trapped in caste and religious politics, alleging that such issues were being used to divert their attention from core problems.
"You have been trapped in religious issues to divert your attention from the core and important issues," he said.
Referring to the aspirants from Marathwada and other parts of Maharashtra, Thackeray said they were preparing for competitive examinations but were instead facing paper leaks.
Thackeray also referred to the aspirants' demand for recruitment to 70,000 government posts and said it was unlikely to be fulfilled.
"I can tell you, it is not going to happen. Even if another government comes, this demand will not be fulfilled," he said, while asking the students to understand the situation and facts but continue their fight for jobs.
He said Marathi girls and boys should get jobs first.
"We all say that reservation should be there, but where are the jobs? Everything is getting privatised," he said.
He alleged that government assets were being handed over to private players, saying there was no reservation in the private sector.
"All this is happening because of the government's policies. You have no say in those policies. You have been taken for granted," Thackeray added.
The MNS chief criticised politicians who frequently switch parties and still get elected, urging the students to punish such leaders through the electoral process.
"You need to punish these people and strengthen yourselves," he said.
Thackeray cautioned the aspirants against being misled by political leaders who may visit the protest site and make promises.
"Do not live in any confusion, illusion or dreams. Try to understand the reality and continue the agitation ahead. Several people will come here and show you dreams, but try to understand the reality.
"I say a lot of things which are bitter. Some people like it, some people dislike it, but after some time they realise it. You may not understand today, but you will understand when you get a knock on your door. People have started realising it," he said.
Amid allegations of paper leaks, the Maharashtra government had terminated the deputation of Mahendra Uttamrao Harpalkar as secretary of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).
After a delegation of MPSC students met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the government on September 30 said a judicial inquiry will be conducted within three months into the functioning of the former and incumbent MPSC chairpersons and members, as sought by the aspirants, under Article 317 of the Constitution.
