Bhatia's opponents, numbering about 50, made a couple of feeble attempts to protest against his style of functioning. However, Bhatia's supporters continued to dominate the scene throughout the day.

Over 250 men and women of Bharatiya Dalit Kobra stood outside the PMC building since 11 am raising slogans in support of Bhatia. More than 50 workers of Dalit Panther also participated in the demonstrations to support Bhatia.

Over 100 residents including former bureaucrat and Nagrik Kriti Samiti chief Avinash Dharmadhikari, President of National Societies for Clean City's Pune Chapter Geeta Vir, Shripad Wagh, Ajit Abhyankar, Anil Dabholkar, Basant Bhatia, Alka Hudlikar and Jagmohan reached the PMC building to express their supportto Bhatia around noon.

Addressing the Bhatia supporters, Dharmadhikari said the corporators had betrayed the voters by tabling a no-confidence motion against the officer who enjoyed the support of the masses.

He claimed that it was not mandatory for the State Government to remove Bhatia from the post of the Municipal Commissioner even after the no-confidence motion is passed.

``All efforts will be done to prevent Bhatia's removal. A public awareness campaign would be launched. A call for Pune bandh is also likely to be given,'' Dharmadhikari said. He added that a meeting of Bhatia supporters will be held on Thursday evening to decide the course of future action.Bharatiya Dalit Kobra Chief Vivek Chavan said his workers would stage a hunger strike outside the District Collector's office on June 14 to express their support to Bhatia.