India, Oct. 12 -- The Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) agitation in Pune presents an unusual situation for the state government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had met a delegation of aspirants even before the protest gathered momentum and agreed to several of their demands. The government followed this up by removing the commission's secretary and announcing a judicial inquiry. Yet, 11 days later, students are still on the streets, and the government is preparing to open another round of talks.

The sequence raises a question about how the two sides have approached the dispute. The government has responded with announcements and administrative action, while the protesters have continued to press for a change that those meas...