06 August,2026 03:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pramod Tiwari. File pic
The Congress on Thursday defended the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government amid the ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) recruitment examinations, while reiterating its support for the students' demands and expressing hope that the issue would be resolved through dialogue.
The remarks came as the state government prepared to hold talks with a delegation of student representatives, with the protest over alleged irregularities in JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations continuing to gather momentum.
Speaking on the issue, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said the party supports every genuine demand raised by the protesting students and believes the matter should be settled through discussions rather than confrontation.
He also contrasted the handling of the protest in Jharkhand with demonstrations held in New Delhi, saying the state government had avoided the use of force against the students.
"We support every genuine and moral demand of the students. The Jharkhand government has handled the situation responsibly, and we believe the students' concerns will be addressed through dialogue," Tiwari said.
Congress MP Pawan Khera said senior party leaders had already met the protesters and remained in regular contact with them.
He said the Congress was closely monitoring the situation and maintained that the state government was making efforts to engage with the agitating students.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies of attempting to politicise the issue instead of focusing on the concerns of job aspirants.
Bhagat said the Congress was committed to ensuring transparency in the recruitment process and maintaining public confidence in the JPSC.
He also highlighted the state government's actions against alleged irregularities, stating that the JPSC chairman had been removed following concerns over OMR sheets and that 19 people had been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
Congress leader Rajesh Thakur also backed the students' movement, saying their concerns were justified and deserved attention.
Meanwhile, the student-led agitation entered another day despite continuous rainfall in Ranchi, with protesters refusing to withdraw until their demands are met.
The agitation, centred at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, has drawn support from several student organisations and continues to demand greater transparency in recruitment examinations, cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination, and an independent investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Amid the growing protest, the Jharkhand government has scheduled a meeting with a delegation of student representatives on Thursday.
The outcome of the discussions is expected to play a key role in determining the future course of the agitation, with both the government and the protesting students hoping the dialogue will help break the deadlock.
(With inputs from IANS)
