Pune: Tensions flared in Pune today as the Opposition's Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), along with various social and political groups, staged protests against the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city.
The demonstrations were sparked by PM Modi's scheduled acceptance of the prestigious Lokmanya Tilak Award, named after the revered freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, on the occasion of his death anniversary.
The Opposition alliance, which includes the Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Communist Party of India, expressed their dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister's visit, citing ongoing violence in Manipur and alleged anti-people policies in the Northeastern state. Congress Chief Arvind Shinde emphatically stated, "The Prime Minister is needed in Manipur, he is not welcome here."
As the protests gained momentum near the statue of Lokmanya Tilak in the city's Mandai area, they were joined by a group of people from Manipur, seeking justice for their state. Senior labour leader Baba Adhav also lent his support to the cause.
However, the demonstration did not proceed without challenges, as Congress leaders accused the police of detaining many party workers since the previous night to thwart their participation in the protest. Communist leaders Ajit Abhyankar and Kumar Saptarshi of the Yuvak Kranti Dal also reported similar experiences with their members.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhale questioned the excessive police presence at the protest site, which was located near the famous Dagaduseth Ganapathi temple, where PM Modi was scheduled to offer prayers.
Apart from expressing their grievances against the Central Government's policies and the Prime Minister's acceptance of the award, protesters also criticized the decision of the Tilak family to confer the Tilak Award on Modi. Social activist Vishwambhar Choudhari from the Nirbhay Bano Andolan asserted, "This award should not have been given to Modi."
The involvement of NCP leader Sharad Pawar during the award ceremony also drew criticism. NCP Pune unit chief Prashant Jagtap justified the party's protest, stating that Sharad Pawar had accepted the invitation four months ago before the Manipur issue and the party split had arisen.
Authorities deployed over 5,000 security personnel, including Maharashtra's elite Force One anti-terror commando, to maintain order during PM Modi's visit. A ban on the use of drones and the closure of several arterial roads and traffic junctions were implemented to ensure smooth proceedings.