Pune, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Political tensions have intensified in Pune ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled visit on August 1, with the Congress announcing a protest over the alleged handling of the NEET paper leak controversy and the BJP warning that it will strongly oppose the demonstration.
Pune City (East) Congress Committee President Prashant Jagtap said the party would stage a protest at Seven Loves Chowk on Shankarsheth Road at 10:30 a.m. on August 1, a location situated along Shah’s proposed route.
Jagtap alleged that the Central government had suppressed student protests over the alleged NEET examination paper leak by using force, including lathi charges and tear gas. He further claimed that demonstrators and their family members had faced harassment and that false cases had been registered against protesters. Holding the Union Home Minister responsible for the alleged crackdown, he said the Congress would continue to raise its voice against what it described as the Centre’s “dictatorial attitude.”
Appealing to students and citizens to join the agitation, Jagtap asserted that the protest would proceed despite opposition and maintained that peaceful dissent is a constitutional right.
The BJP, however, criticised the proposed demonstration, calling it politically motivated. Pune City BJP President Dheeraj Ghate said Amit Shah’s visit was linked to an important civic function and should not be turned into a political controversy.
According to Ghate, Shah will attend the Lokmanya Tilak Award ceremony, where National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to receive the prestigious honour. He said the event is a matter of pride for Pune and accused the Congress of attempting to overshadow it for political gain.
Ghate also said the BJP would firmly oppose the protest and added that all necessary permissions for the event had been obtained from the police.
Responding to the BJP’s remarks, Jagtap reiterated that the Congress would not withdraw its protest and challenged attempts to prevent the demonstration. He also alleged that the Pune Police had been trying to discourage the agitation.
With both parties standing by their positions, the Pune Police are expected to face a significant challenge in maintaining law and order during the Home Minister’s visit.
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