The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday defended Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) chairman Vivek Bhimanwar, stating that he was not connected to the paper leak controversy, while welcoming his decision to go on leave on “moral grounds”.
Navnath Ban, the BJP’s chief spokesperson in Maharashtra, alleged that the agitation by MPSC aspirants had taken a political turn despite Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis accepting their demands from the outset.
The remarks came after MPSC aspirants called off their 10-day agitation in Pune late on Sunday night following the state government’s decision to form a committee to examine alleged irregularities, including paper leaks, in the recruitment body.
BJP backs chairman’s decision to go on leave
Bhimanwar announced that he had proceeded on leave until the inquiry into the allegations was completed.
Speaking to reporters, Ban said the MPSC chairman had no connection with the controversy and maintained that no paper leak had occurred during his tenure.
“The entire issue had nothing to do with Bhimanwar. No paper leak had occurred during his tenure as chairman. Nevertheless, he decided to go on leave on moral grounds. I wholeheartedly welcome his decision and thank him,” Ban said.
The BJP spokesperson’s remarks came amid demands from aspirants for greater accountability and reforms in the state’s recruitment process.
Government forms committee to examine allegations
The state government formed a committee with senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe as secretary to examine alleged irregularities in the MPSC, including paper leaks.
The committee’s formation followed negotiations with the protesting aspirants, who had been demonstrating in Pune for 10 days over recruitment-related concerns.
The agitation ended after the government agreed to address their demands, although the inquiry into the allegations remains a key issue.
BJP alleges protest took a political turn
Ban claimed that Fadnavis had supported the aspirants from the beginning and accepted all their demands, but the agitation continued and eventually became politicised.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar had participated in the protest alongside the aspirants.
The BJP spokesperson said the Fadnavis-led government would continue to support students and work in their interests.
(With inputs from PTI)
