The demonstration will begin at 11 am near the Jhansi Rani statue at Balgandharva Chowk and proceed to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) headquarters.
The march follows Thursday’s assault on Bapat, which has intensified the debate over noise pollution during Ganesh festival processions and other public events.
Asked whether he would participate in the march being organised in his support, Bapat said, “If I am alive, I will participate in the march on Sunday.” His statement has drawn attention to the seriousness of the situation following the attack.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has assured that the incident is being taken seriously and strict action will be taken against those responsible. Security has been deployed outside Bapat’s Narayan Peth home, while protection has also been extended to his parents and people supporting his campaign against noise pollution.
Meanwhile, Bapat has announced that his campaign against noise pollution during the Ganesh festival and other public events will be expanded and given an organised, collective form. He said he would continue creating public awareness on the issue.
The police have also reiterated that every citizen has a constitutional right to express an opinion and that violence cannot be tolerated as a means of dealing with differences of opinion.
Bapat said the issue he has raised should remain more important than his own identity. “I do not want to make my own personality bigger. The issues I have raised should move forward instead of me. Dr BR Ambedkar had warned against personality cults. Therefore, I will not personally encourage social media posts or videos being created about me. I appeal to citizens to support the demand for noise-pollution-free celebrations rather than focusing on supporting an individual.”
The planned march and Bapat’s expanded campaign are set to keep the focus on the demand for noise-pollution-free celebrations and the right to express opinions without violence.
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