Agencies | Pune:
A political controversy erupted in Pune on Monday after Amit Thackeray, son of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, allegedly directed party workers to remove a portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the principal’s office of Government Polytechnic College in Ganeshkhind.
The photograph was subsequently reinstalled by the college administration following objections over its removal and concerns regarding official protocol.
Amit Thackeray was visiting the college to inspect student facilities, including infrastructure, canteen food quality and sports amenities, when he entered the principal’s office.
According to reports, Thackeray objected to the placement of Prime Minister Modi’s photograph alongside portraits of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr B. R. Ambedkar.
He reportedly questioned the college principal over why the Prime Minister’s photograph had been displayed alongside the two historical icons. Thackeray argued that photographs of serving constitutional authorities should be displayed separately in accordance with government protocol.
Following his objection, MNS workers allegedly removed the portrait from the wall.
The incident triggered a sharp reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with party leaders condemning the removal and describing it as an act of political immaturity and a violation of established protocol.
Amid the controversy, the college administration restored the portrait to its original position.
According to reports, the photograph was reinstalled before BJP workers reached the campus, where they had reportedly planned to put it back themselves.
The controversy also took a legal turn, with police registering an FIR against Amit Thackeray and around 20 to 25 unidentified MNS workers in connection with the removal of the portrait.
The police action has added to the political tension surrounding the incident, with both parties expected to defend their respective positions.
The portrait controversy was not the only issue raised during Thackeray’s visit.
While inspecting the college premises following complaints from students about poor hostel conditions and the quality of food being served, Thackeray visited the college mess and canteen.
There, he reportedly found crates containing rotten onions. Students also allegedly showed him photographs of worms found in food served at the institution.
Expressing anger over the condition of the food, Thackeray carried the rotten onions into the offices of the principal and professors and questioned the authorities over the quality of food being provided to students.
He demanded immediate corrective measures and warned of an intensified MNS agitation if the students’ concerns were not addressed.
The incident has consequently brought both student welfare and political conduct on educational campuses into focus, with the portrait controversy and allegations of poor food quality drawing attention beyond the college premises.
