Thousands of MPSC aspirants took to the streets of Pune demanding the resignation of top officials following systemic paper leaks. Political leaders from NCP (SP) and Congress have joined the agitation, calling for a complete forensic audit of the recruitment process.
- Protesters demand immediate resignation of MPSC Chairman and Secretary.
- Calls for a forensic audit of all exams conducted during Abhijit Lendwe's tenure.
- Demand for public release of the Mumbai Crime Branch's preliminary inquiry report.
- Political backing from NCP (SP) and Congress leaders to ensure government action.
In a massive surge of public outrage, a large number of Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) aspirants staged a high-voltage protest march in Pune on Monday, September 7, 2026. The demonstration, which began at Omkareshwar Temple Chowk and culminated at the Pune District Collectorate, highlights a deepening crisis of trust in the state's premier recruitment body.
The protesters are not merely seeking apologies but are demanding a complete overhaul of the commission's leadership. Central to their demands is the immediate resignation of the MPSC chairman and secretary, with a call to appoint officers with an unblemished "clean image" to restore the integrity of the competitive examination system.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this is not an isolated incident of administrative failure but a systemic collapse of the examination security framework. When high-ranking officials like under-secretary Abhijit Lendwe are implicated in leaks, it jeopardizes the future of lakhs of students and undermines the meritocratic foundation of the Maharashtra civil services.
The agitation gained significant political momentum as NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar and Congress legislator Vishwajit Kadam joined the march. Mr. Pawar emphasized that the movement transcends party lines, stating that it is a grassroots agitation led by students fighting for their rightful careers.
The erosion of trust in public service commissions creates a dangerous precedent where candidates believe connections outweigh competence, potentially crippling state administration for a generation.
Specific grievances include alleged irregularities in the Drug Inspector (Group-B) examination and errors in the evaluation of the 2025 State Services Main and Agricultural Services examinations. The aspirants are demanding a forensic audit of all results and a scrutiny of the Call Detail Records (CDRs) of candidates who were allegedly selected through illicit contacts of the accused officers.
While MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has defended himself by stating the leaks occurred before his tenure, the Mumbai Police have already arrested seven individuals, including a top-ranking candidate who secured the seventh rank. The commission has since formed an internal committee to prevent future lapses, but students argue these measures are "too little, too late."
Examination Dispute Overview
| Exam Name | Primary Grievance | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Inspector (Group-B) | Paper Leak | Forensic Audit & Inquiry |
| State Services Main 2025 | Evaluation Errors | Re-evaluation/Investigation |
| Group-C (Clerks) | Transparency Fears | Fair Conduct on Oct 25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who are the primary accused in the MPSC leak case?
The primary accused include former under-secretary Abhijit Lendwe and assistant section officers Vishweshwar Dattatraya Nakate and Gopal Bhattu Marathe.
Q2: What are the protesters demanding regarding the Group-C exam?
They demand that the preliminary examination scheduled for October 25, 2026, be conducted with absolute transparency and the revival of the stenographer post.
