06 August,2026 01:06 PM IST | Ranchi | mid-day online correspondent
Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahato drinks water on the fourth day of his hunger strike against alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations, in Ranchi.(PIC/PTI)
The protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand intensified on Thursday as opposition MLAs staged demonstrations inside the Assembly premises on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, while the student-led agitation entered its 13th day with six protesters continuing an indefinite hunger strike.
The movement, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, has emerged as one of the state's largest student protests in recent years.
Ahead of the Assembly proceedings, MLAs from the opposition NDA staged a protest demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).
The legislators accused the Hemant Soren-led government of failing to protect the interests of job aspirants and raised slogans against the administration.
BJP chief whip Naveen Jaiswal alleged that the future of the state's youth was being compromised and questioned the government's decision to order an internal inquiry.
He said the committee constituted by the state government lacked credibility and reiterated the opposition's demand for a CBI investigation.
BJP MLA Neera Yadav also criticised the Congress, accusing the party of adopting different positions on examination-related protests in Delhi and Jharkhand. The Congress, an ally in the Jharkhand government, has nevertheless expressed support for the protesting students.
The protesters are seeking cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination and an independent investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities by either the CBI or a panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday described examination paper leaks as a national issue and expressed willingness to hold discussions with the protesters to resolve the impasse.
State Minister Sudivya Kumar on Thursday said the government was taking the students' concerns seriously and hoped constructive dialogue could help find a solution.
The indefinite hunger strike has continued to intensify, with Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto entering the fifth day of his fast.
Five more protesters, including two women, have joined the hunger strike to strengthen the movement.
Concern grew over Mahto's health after his blood pressure and blood sugar levels reportedly dropped significantly.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently observed a prolonged hunger strike over the NEET paper leak issue, spoke to Mahto over the phone and urged him to at least drink water to protect his health. Following the appeal, Mahto agreed to consume water while continuing his protest.
Protesters said they had resorted to the hunger strike after repeated appeals to the government failed to produce any concrete action.
With several student organisations planning to gherao the Assembly on August 7 and August 10, authorities have imposed prohibitory orders within a 750-metre radius of the Assembly complex from August 6 to August 12 between 6 am and 10 pm.
Meanwhile, the CID investigation into the alleged recruitment scam has also gathered pace.
Officials said 19 people have been arrested so far, including five on Wednesday. Former JPSC chairman L Khiangte has also been questioned multiple times as investigators continue to probe the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
(With inputs from PTI)
