Uday Samant backs Raj Thackeray's advice to MPSC students, says politics should not use them

A protest over the MPSC examination and students' pending demands was held at Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai. The Opposition is also running a sharp agitation in Delhi over allegations of irregularities in the electoral rolls (SIR). Industries Minister Uday Samant spoke openly on both issues.

At the Dadar protest, MNS president Raj Thackeray addressed MPSC students on the examination. Samant said that what Thackeray told the students was correct. According to him, Thackeray's point was that some things are possible in competitive examinations and some are not, and that demands for what cannot happen will never be accepted.

Samant said the students are demanding that the MPSC examination be held free of anyone's pressure. He added that the students' demands relate to the President. Taking a dig at MNS president Raj Thackeray, he said politics should not be played by placing a gun on students' shoulders. Samant also said that if anyone wants to do politics, they should do it in the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.

On the Delhi agitation, Samant said the Opposition is protesting there against the alleged scam in the electoral rolls. He said some leaders in Delhi are agitating so that voters will accept them. In Samant's words, the Opposition's condition has become such that they are ready to do anything for this, and that is why the agitation is being held.

On the Legislative Council elections, Samant said the Mahayuti is contesting together in most places. On the Pune Teachers' constituency, he expressed confidence that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will take the right decision.

The matter of Minister Chhagan Bhujbal's displeasure was also put to Samant. Bhujbal has said that the Annasaheb Patil Economic Development Corporation has a provision of Rs 750 crore for the Maratha community, while only Rs 5 crore has been given for the OBC community. Because the funds for the OBC community are lower, Bhujbal expressed displeasure and demanded that adequate funds be provided for the OBC community.

Responding, Samant said the chairpersons of the corporations will be announced within the next month, with adequate funds. He made it clear that if Bhujbal has any misunderstanding, it will be cleared up.