Protesters in Jharkhand escalated their agitation over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations on Sunday by burning effigies of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav at Ranchi’s Albert Ekka Chowk. Members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch carried out the action as part of a pre-announced programme, accusing key allies of the Hemant Soren-led government of failing to address their demands.
The student-led movement entered its 23rd day. Demonstrators are seeking a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities, cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, action against those found responsible, and greater transparency in the recruitment process. They stated that weeks of peaceful efforts had not yielded a satisfactory response from the authorities.
Earlier on Sunday, 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 in several districts across the state. The forum alleged that despite being part of the ruling alliance, Congress and RJD leaders had not exerted sufficient pressure on the government to resolve the concerns of job aspirants. Some participants also questioned the lack of concrete follow-up after earlier statements of support for students.
The agitation has maintained a continuous sit-in, with several participants continuing an indefinite hunger strike. Protesters have accused the government of delaying decisive steps while thousands of aspirants remain uncertain about their futures.
The Jharkhand government has invited representatives of the protesting students for a fresh round of talks on Monday at the State Guest House. This will mark the seventh round of discussions. Previous meetings have not produced a breakthrough. Authorities have announced measures intended to improve transparency, including a time-bound examination calendar, technology-based safeguards, timely release of answer keys and OMR sheets, and stricter accountability mechanisms. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured that allegations of irregularities will be investigated impartially and that those found guilty will face action.
Forum leader Ravindra Paswan warned that the movement would shift to a more aggressive phase if demands remained unmet. He reiterated an ultimatum: if the demands are not accepted by August 18, protesters plan to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence in Ranchi on August 20.
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