BJP targets MPSC students' protest with 'nightlife' remarks

The BJP has intensified criticism of the MPSC students' protest, with spokesperson Navnath Ban alleging misconduct at the demonstration. At a press conference in Mumbai, Ban showed a video and alleged there was hooliganism, alcohol consumption, and inappropriate behaviour under the guise of a student protest. He targeted state Youth Congress president Shivraj More and several Congress workers, questioning whether those protesting were students or political workers.

Ban alleged that More, who was present at the protest site on October 3 night, subsequently went towards Koregaon Park. He also sought an explanation from NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, who is associated with the protest. Additionally, Ban alleged a woman was subjected to inappropriate behaviour at the protest.

However, the woman in question dismissed Ban's allegations as completely false on Wednesday. She stated that More had come to her aid when she was being harassed by a local youth, and that More helped her secure legal assistance and lodge a police complaint. More, calling the allegations defamatory, said he would file a defamation suit against Ban. Ban maintained he had not made allegations against the woman but sought clarification on what he termed the "nightlife" aspect of the protest.