Devendra Nath Mahato, a leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), participated in the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ march on August 10 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The protest was aimed at addressing alleged irregularities in the examination and recruitment processes. Mahato asserted that the state government must heed the demands of the student community, expressing the urgency of the situation.

During the demonstration, Mahato carried a portrait of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, emphasising the significance of their cause. He stated that a hunger strike had not deterred them and insisted that no barriers would stop their march. He described being transported to the protest venue in an ambulance, drawing attention to the gravity of the situation and the determination of the demonstrators.

Speaking to the crowd, Mahato urged supporters not to glorify him, affirming that he is an ordinary citizen. He remarked on the pain caused by the restrictions imposed on the march, questioning why the government’s response seemed to lean toward creating unrest rather than addressing the students’ pleas.

Concerns Over Government Response

In his address, Mahato called upon Chief Minister Hemant Soren to refrain from deploying police action against the protesters. He highlighted that the date coincided with the Chief Minister’s birthday and warned against any measures that could lead to violence or injuries among the demonstrators. Mahato asserted that the government must respond to the protesters’ grievances, emphasising the importance of dialogue over confrontation.

He reiterated his commitment to continue the hunger strike, stating that if the government failed to acknowledge their demands, it would be perceived as undermining democratic principles in Jharkhand. Mahato has been on a hunger strike at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium for nine consecutive days, a focal point for the ongoing protests.

A number of participants from various educational institutions joined the rally, indicating widespread support for the movement against the alleged exam irregularities. The demonstrators aimed to establish a human chain as they approached the Vidhan Sabha, despite facing extensive security measures and barricades set up by authorities.

Student Demands and Government Stand

Protesters articulated their primary demands, including the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged irregularities. One protester stated their commitment to continue until their demands were met, asserting that they would wait patiently as long as needed.

Another participant spoke out against governmental policies, expressing concerns over the benefits of Jharkhand’s natural resources and lamenting that local students had been left uninformed about these opportunities. He stressed the need for transparent answers from the state government regarding their situation.

Reports indicated that security personnel had attempted to restrict access to the march, preventing vehicles from joining the demonstration. This drew further criticism from the crowd, highlighting tensions between the protesters and law enforcement.

In response to the protests, Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari reiterated the government’s commitment to the youth. He condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what he described as an attempt to mislead the youth and assured the crowd that the government is engaged in discussions aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the issues raised by the protesters.

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