Pune, July 30 (IANS) The political temperature in Pune has risen sharply ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled visit to the city on August 1. The Pune City Congress has announced a protest during Shah’s visit, while the BJP has strongly opposed the move and warned of a “tit-for-tat” response. The escalating war of words between the two parties has also sparked concerns over maintaining law and order in the city.
Prashant Jagtap, President of the Pune City (East) Congress Committee, alleged that the Central Government had attempted to suppress student protests held across the country over the alleged NEET examination paper leak. According to him, students participating in these demonstrations were subjected to lathi charges, tear gas and other forms of force, leaving several injured.
Jagtap claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah was responsible for suppressing the voices of students who were demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. He said the Congress would register its protest against the Centre’s handling of the issue.
Announcing the demonstration, Jagtap said Congress workers, students and concerned citizens would gather at Seven Loves Chowk on Shankarsheth Road at 10:30 a.m. on August 1. The location falls along the route scheduled for Shah’s visit.
He further claimed that false cases were being filed against protesters and that even their family members were facing harassment after the protests had ended.
Appealing to Pune residents to participate in large numbers, Jagtap said the protest would be directed against what he termed the Central Government’s “dictatorial attitude” and the alleged atrocities committed against students. He asserted that the Congress would continue to raise its voice against actions it believes undermine democratic rights.
Meanwhile, Pune City BJP President, Dheeraj Ghate, addressed a press conference and criticised the proposed Congress protest, describing it as politically motivated. According to Ghate, Shah’s visit is linked to an important civic event and should not be politicised.
He pointed out that Shah is scheduled to attend the Lokmanya Tilak Award ceremony, during which National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will be honoured with the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak Award. Ghate said the event is a matter of pride for Pune and accused the Congress of attempting to overshadow the occasion for political reasons.
Ghate alleged that the Congress was organising the protest solely for political mileage and without any legitimate justification. He maintained that the BJP would firmly oppose the agitation and added that all necessary permissions, including those related to sound systems and event arrangements, had been sought from the police authorities.
Responding to Ghate’s remarks, Jagtap reiterated that the Congress would go ahead with the protest regardless of any pressure or opposition. He alleged that the Pune Police had been making repeated attempts to discourage the agitation but insisted that the party would not retreat.
Accepting the BJP leader’s challenge, Jagtap said, “We will hold the protest; just try and stop us. It remains to be seen whether law and order in Pune city is maintained by the police or by BJP workers. The entire city will watch how the police respond if the BJP attempts to disrupt our protest.”
Taking a swipe at the BJP, he claimed that the party’s reaction itself demonstrated the impact of the Congress protest. He emphasised that expressing dissent through democratic means is a constitutional right and said the Congress would continue its agitation.
With both parties refusing to back down, a political confrontation now appears likely during Shah’s Pune visit on August 1. Ensuring peace and maintaining law and order amid the escalating political standoff is expected to be a significant challenge for the Pune Police.
–IANS
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