Special Correspondent
Pune : The Youth Congress staged a strong protest outside the Rasta Peth office of Mahavitaran (Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited – MSEDCL) in Pune, accusing BJP city president Dheeraj Ghate of long-term electricity theft and questioning the alleged inaction by authorities despite clear evidence of wrongdoing.
According to the protesters, Ghate is alleged to have illegally used electricity for over 12 years at a Pune Municipal Corporation-owned gymnasium, which he had converted into his political office. A Mahavitaran audit has reportedly confirmed electricity theft under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, yet no criminal case has been filed to date, raising serious concerns about bias and political favoritism.
Youth Congress leaders claimed that while ordinary citizens face immediate disconnection of electricity supply for unpaid bills, BJP leaders like Ghate continue to operate with impunity. They described the situation as a “clear example of political protection and administrative slavery” towards the ruling party.
The protest saw slogans raised inside and outside the Mahavitaran premises. Several Youth Congress workers were detained briefly by police and later released with a warning notice.
Akhil Jain, President of the Youth Congress Media Department, said, “This is a living example of BJP’s corruption and Mahavitaran’s servitude. While the average citizen’s power gets cut for non-payment, BJP leaders can steal electricity for years without consequence.”
Saurabh Amarale, City President of the Youth Congress, added, “Dheeraj Ghate is not just a BJP office bearer—he is a symbol of the party’s corruption. He has caused a loss of over ₹4 lakh to the public exchequer and yet walks free. Why is no FIR filed? Are laws different for BJP?”
The protestors warned that if action is not taken soon, the Youth Congress will escalate its agitation.
Several Youth Congress leaders and members were present during the demonstration, including
Akhil Jain Media Department State President, Saurabh Amarale, City President, Umesh Pawar,District President Sagar Dhadwe, Kishor Marne, Prathamesh Abanave, Anandkumar Dubey, Meghshyam Dharmavat, Raj Jadhav, Harshad Hande, and many others.
They collectively demanded immediate registration of a criminal case, recovery of stolen dues, and public accountability from both Mahavitaran and BJP leadership.
As public pressure builds, all eyes are now on whether Mahavitaran will initiate legal proceedings or continue to remain silent in the face of these explosive allegations.
