‘It will be a fight’: Jharkhand students to step up protest today
Ranchi: Jharkhand students protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations are set to burn effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at district headquarters across the state today, Sunday, August 16. Protesters have also announced a gherao of Soren’s residence on August 20.
Student leaders have announced that effigies of Soren and Rahul Gandhi will be burnt at district headquarters across all 24 districts today.
The protesters have criticised the state government and Congress over their handling of allegations concerning recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The planned action marks an escalation in the agitation, which has continued for 22 days in Ranchi.
CM residence gherao planned for August 20
The protesters have announced that they will surround Soren’s residence on Thursday, August 20, if their demands are not met.
Their key demands include cancellation of the JSSC CGL examination and JPSC 11th to 13th examinations, along with a CBI probe into alleged irregularities.
Protesters have also demanded Soren’s resignation.
Student leaders said the August 10 Vidhan Sabha gherao was only a “preview” and warned that the August 20 protest would be larger.
Students demand cancellation of exams
The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and is demanding action against those responsible.
The protesters are seeking:
- Cancellation of the JSSC CGL examination.
- Cancellation of the JPSC 11th to 13th examinations.
- A CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.
- Action over examinations conducted by the TDPL agency.
- Greater transparency and accountability in recruitment examinations.
Tiranga Yatra held in Ranchi
The latest announcement came after students held a Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi on Saturday, August 15.
Thousands of protesters carrying the national flag marched from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, the site of the ongoing agitation, to Albert Ekka Chowk.
The protest movement has now entered its 22nd day.
JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto has also been on a hunger strike during the agitation.
Mahto alleged that police prevented him from leaving Sadar Hospital to join the Tiranga Yatra. He questioned why he was being stopped from attending the march and alleged attempts were being made to weaken the students’ movement.
Soren promises action and reforms
The escalation comes despite assurances from Chief Minister Hemant Soren that allegations concerning recruitment examinations would be investigated.
In his Independence Day address on Saturday, Soren said questions over recruitment examinations had shaken the confidence of job aspirants.
He said anyone found guilty of paper leaks, corruption or other irregularities would face strict action, regardless of their position or influence.
Soren also proposed systemic changes, including a time-bound annual examination calendar, greater use of technology, timely publication of answer keys and OMR sheets, and stronger accountability.
Analysis: What happens next
Today’s planned effigy burning represents a further escalation from the students’ earlier protests and demands for an investigation.
The next major flashpoint is Thursday, August 20, when protesters have announced a gherao of the chief minister’s residence.
The government has promised investigations and recruitment reforms, but protesters are demanding immediate action, including cancellation of specific examinations and a CBI probe. The difference between these positions remains at the centre of the continuing agitation.