Jharkhand student protest Day 14: Hunger strike continues as BJP, Rahul Gandhi back students | India News
NEW DELHI: The protest by JPSC and JSSC aspirants in Jharkhand entered its 14th day on Thursday, with students demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, while political pressure on the Hemant Soren government intensified.The protest, launched on July 25 under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, has grown into one of Jharkhand’s largest student-led movements in recent years. Protesters are seeking cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, an independent probe into alleged irregularities, and comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC. Here are the top developments:
BJP MLAs protest outside Assembly
BJP MLAs on Thursday staged a protest outside the Jharkhand Assembly, on the first day of the Monsoon Session, over alleged irregularities in the state competitive examinations.Speaking to ANI, BJP MLA Alok Chaurasia said, “The Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly and vocally with the students regarding the functioning of Jharkhand government agencies such as JPSC, JSSC, and CJL, as well as the widespread corruption across the state, particularly the fraud committed against students…”The legislators raised slogans against the government, with chief whip Naveen Jaiswal alleging it was “selling” Jharkhand’s youths’ future and demanding a CBI probe, saying, “nobody trusts your CID and committee.”Rahul Gandhi speaks to aspirants
Rahul Gandhi speaks to aspirants
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to JPSC-JSSC aspirants over the phone on Thursday. Student leader Piyush Kumar said the students raised their demand for cancellation of the examination, an investigation and reforms.“We told him of our demands, that exam should be cancelled, regarding investigation and reforms. He said that he stands with our demands, and that they will take it up with the Govt. He said that he stands with and supports students…We are yet to get any official information regarding the date and time of meeting (with the government),” Kumar said.Student leader Ravindra Paswan said Gandhi enquired about the situation at the protest site.“He asked us about the situation here. We told him about the irregularities in exams here. We told him that Congress is in the government in Jharkhand and they should help us. He told us that he stands with students,” Paswan said.
11-member delegation finalised
According to JPSC JSSC Reform Manch, protesting students have finalised an 11-member delegation for talks with the state government. The group comprises eight student representatives, one lawyer and two technical experts.The eight student representatives are Piyush Kumar Singh, Ravindra Paswan, Rajesh Prasad, Neetu Kujur, Kartik Soren, Ravindra, Ankit Kumar and Shalu Singh.Students have also demanded that any dialogue with the government be held in the presence of the media.
Officials reach protest site
Ranchi Sadar SDO Rajat Kumar and ADM Dhananjay Kumar reached Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to hear the grievances of the protesting aspirants.“We came to speak with our younger brothers about how we can assist them in their preparations for the future,” Rajat Kumar said.A protester said there had been a suggestion that a four- or five-member delegation should participate in talks, but students insisted on a transparent process.
‘Assembly gherao’ on Monday
Amid the continuing agitation, students announced a “Vidhan Sabha Gherao” on August 10 if their demands are not met. Protester Radhe Kumar said the decision was taken after the government initiated contact with the students.JMM MLA Jairam Kumar Mahato urged the government to immediately open talks, warning that “something untoward will happen” if the situation remains unresolved.
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Hunger strike continues
Activist Sonam Wangchuk rejected reports that student leader Devendra Nath Mahato had ended his hunger strike after speaking with him. A total of six demonstrators are presently on a hunger strike.In a video message on X, Wangchuk said, “He consumed water, not food; I want to clarify this.”He added, “He was fasting without water and without food, which is, in a way, like suicide. So, I only urged him to consume water and salt now and continue his fast.”Mahato began his indefinite hunger strike on August 2 at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. He is now continuing the fast on water and salt.
Minister claims 19 arrested
Jharkhand minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey said on Thursday that the government was investigating the allegations and that 19 people had been arrested.
