The ongoing student agitation in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC CGL recruitment examinations has intensified, with protesters now demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
The protesters have also announced plans to gherao the Jharkhand Assembly on August 10 if their demands remain unmet.
The demonstrations, centred in Ranchi, have entered their 13th day, while several students continue an indefinite hunger strike, alleging that the state government has failed to respond adequately to concerns over transparency in recruitment examinations.
Students Demand Hemant Soren’s Resignation
Addressing the media, protesting student Rahul Kranti alleged that the state government has not taken a constructive approach despite the students expressing willingness to hold talks.
“We are ready for dialogue. However, based on the government’s actions and statements, we do not see any positive response to our demands. If the government is conducting its own investigation, why is it reluctant to order a CBI probe?” he said.
Another protester claimed that Chief Minister Hemant Soren was “unfit to hold office” and accused the government of ignoring the concerns of students despite the prolonged agitation.
Governor Calls Recruitment Allegations Serious
The demand comes after Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar met Chief Minister Hemant Soren to discuss the controversy surrounding the recruitment process.
According to a statement from Lok Bhavan, the Governor described the alleged irregularities as a matter of “grave concern” and stressed that recruitment commissions must function with complete transparency and credibility to maintain public trust.
The state government has reportedly assured the Governor that it is committed to ensuring justice and examining the issues raised by the protesting students.
Government Invites Students for Dialogue
The Jharkhand government has invited the protesters for talks by requesting them to send a five-member delegation.
Students’ spokesperson Piyush Kumar Singh said government representatives met the protesters on Wednesday afternoon and proposed a closed-door meeting.
“We are discussing whether to accept the government’s invitation. A decision on our representatives will be taken soon,” Singh said.
Rahul Kranti also confirmed that students are prepared to send their own delegation after officials initiated contact for discussions.
Assembly Gherao Planned on August 10
Despite the government’s outreach, protesters have announced that the planned Assembly gherao on August 10 will go ahead unless concrete action is taken.
Participants also organised a Tiranga March, reiterating demands for a fair investigation into the alleged examination irregularities and calling for greater accountability from the state government.
Hunger Strike Continues as Health Worsens
Several students on hunger strike said their health is deteriorating after days without food.
One protester said they experienced dizziness and weakness, while another appealed to the Chief Minister to address the students’ grievances instead of offering only assurances.
Jharkhand Krantikari Loktantrik Morcha (JKLM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto also continues his indefinite hunger strike. Activist Sonam Wangchuk recently urged him to consume water and salt, saying the objective of the protest is to awaken the government’s conscience rather than endanger lives.
The protesters have maintained that the hunger strike and demonstrations will continue until the government takes decisive action on the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
