Congress Announces Protest During Amit Shah’s Pune Visit; BJP Warns Of Response

Political tensions intensified in Pune ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit on August 1.

The Pune City Congress announced a protest during the visit. The BJP opposed the move and warned of a ‘tit-for-tat’ response.

The confrontation raised concerns over law and order in the city.

Prashant Jagtap alleged that the Centre suppressed protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. He claimed police used lathi charges, tear gas and force against students, leaving several injured.

Jagtap also alleged that protesters and their families faced harassment through false cases.

Jagtap accused Amit Shah of silencing students. He said the students had demanded the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. He said Congress would protest against the Centre’s handling of the issue.

Congress workers, students and citizens will gather at Seven Loves Chowk on Shankarsheth Road at 10:30 AM on August 1, a location along Shah’s scheduled route.

Jagtap urged Pune residents to join the demonstration against what he described as the Centre’s ‘dictatorial attitude’ and alleged atrocities against students.

Pune City BJP President Dheeraj Ghate criticised the proposed protest and called it politically motivated. He further said Shah would attend the Lokmanya Tilak Award ceremony, where National Security Advisor Ajit Doval would receive the prestigious honour.

Ghate said the event should not become a political battleground. He added that the BJP had obtained the required police permissions and would strongly oppose the protest.

Responding to the remarks, Jagtap said Congress would proceed with the demonstration despite pressure. He challenged the BJP to stop the protest and questioned whether the police or BJP workers would maintain law and order. He maintained that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right.

With both parties refusing to retreat, Pune Police now face a major challenge in ensuring peace during Shah’s visit.

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