Pune tribal students hold 13-day hunger strike over hostel demands

Tribal students in Pune, Maharashtra, have been on a hunger strike for 13 days, demanding improved hostel facilities and student welfare. Protesters, including student activist Suchitra, claim the administration is only partially agreeing to their demands and failing to provide concrete solutions regarding the location of hostels, which currently requires long commutes that hinder their studies.

In response to the protest, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging a resolution to the students' grievances within 10 days. This has sparked a political debate in the state. NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar highlighted the government's perceived neglect of tribal students on social media.

Shiv Sena leader Arun Sawant countered these claims, stating that the Mahayuti government has allocated 5,270 crore rupees for the 2025-26 period specifically for tribal welfare, including schools, employment, and water facilities. Sawant dismissed allegations of neglect, asserting that the government remains committed to improving the lives of tribal communities.