After the state government formed a committee to investigate paper leaks and alleged irregularities in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) and the resignation of the commission's chairman Vivek Bhimnavar, candidates concluded their ten-day protest late Sunday night.
A state government delegation, led by Minister Shivendraraje Bhosale, met with the protesters late at night to end the demonstration that had been ongoing for the past ten days at the SM Joshi Bridge in Pune. The delegation informed them that the investigation committee was constituted under the chairmanship of former judge Dilip Bhosale, with senior IAS officer and FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe appointed as secretary.
However, the protesting candidates remained firm on their demand to remove MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimnavar from his post. During this time, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar proposed that Bhimnavar should be kept away from his duties until the investigation is complete. Minister Bhosale conveyed the government's consent after speaking with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the phone, leading Vivekananda Patil, a representative of the MPSC candidates, to announce the withdrawal of the agitation.
Immediately after the agitation ended, MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimnavar shared a post on social media (X) informing about his going on leave. He wrote that the state government has announced a judicial inquiry into the MPSC paper leak case. He further stated that since he has prioritized ethics throughout his life, he decided to take leave rather than remain in office until the investigation is complete.
This investigation committee, chaired by former judge Dilip Bhosale, includes IPS officer Lakshmi Gautam, former IAS officer Ganesh Patil, retired judge P.D. Naik, and IAS Tukaram Mundhe (Secretary). Additionally, the government has assured acceptance of other important demands made by the candidates.
Although the agitation has now ended, the candidates' focus will remain on the proceedings of the investigation committee, recruitment reforms, and the upcoming steps taken by the government.