The agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations intensified on Sunday, with members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch burning effigies of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in Ranchi.

The protesters accused the two parties, which are allies of the Hemant Soren-led government, of failing to exert pressure on the administration to address demands for recruitment reforms, cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a probe into alleged irregularities.

Students Step Up Protest In Ranchi

The effigy-burning took place at Albert Ekka Chowk as part of a pre-announced protest programme by the student-led forum.

Earlier, protesters took out a torchlight procession from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk, where the effigies were set ablaze. Similar demonstrations were reported from several districts across Jharkhand.

The protesters said they had pursued their demands through peaceful and democratic means for weeks but had not received a satisfactory response from the government.

The movement, which entered its 23rd day on Sunday, is demanding a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, action against those responsible and greater transparency in the state’s recruitment system.

Protesters Target Ruling Alliance Partners

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch alleged that Congress and RJD leaders had failed to put sufficient pressure on the government despite being part of the ruling alliance.

Protesters also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s support for students, arguing that his statements had not resulted in any concrete action by the government.

The agitation has continued to gather momentum over the past three weeks, with students maintaining a continuous sit-in and several protesters remaining on indefinite hunger strike.

The students have accused the government of delaying decisive action while thousands of recruitment aspirants remain uncertain about their future.

Government Calls Seventh Round Of Talks

The Jharkhand government has invited representatives of the protesting students for another round of discussions on Monday at the State Guest House. The meeting will be the seventh round of talks between the two sides.

Previous discussions have failed to resolve the central disagreements, with protesters continuing to press for a CBI probe and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination.

The state government has announced several measures intended to improve transparency in recruitment examinations. These include a time-bound examination calendar, technology-enabled safeguards, timely publication of answer keys and OMR sheets, and stronger accountability mechanisms.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren has also assured that allegations of examination irregularities would be investigated impartially and that those found guilty would face action.

Protesters Issue August 18 Ultimatum

Despite the government’s measures, the protesters remain unconvinced and have warned that the agitation will intensify if their demands are not accepted.

Forum leader Ravindra Paswan said the movement could move beyond its Gandhian methods and enter a more aggressive phase if the government continued to ignore the students’ concerns.

Paswan also questioned why Rahul Gandhi could not compel the government to act if he genuinely supported the protesting students.

The forum has issued an ultimatum that its demands must be accepted by August 18. If that does not happen, the protesters have warned that they will gherao the Chief Minister’s residence in Ranchi on August 20.

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