NEW DELHI — Raising concerns over prolonged youth agitation, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging him to hold direct talks with student groups protesting over alleged irregularities in the state’s recruitment examinations.
The communication follows weeks of demonstrations across the state, adding pressure on the ruling JMM-Congress alliance in Jharkhand to resolve grievances concerning competitive exams held by state recruitment bodies like the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Key Points of Gandhi’s Appeal
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Respecting Peaceful Agitation: Expressing solidarity with job aspirants, Gandhi emphasized that the Congress party views the right to peaceful protest as a fundamental pillar of democratic governance.
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Acknowledging Aspirants’ Demands: The Congress MP characterized student concerns surrounding paper leaks and recruitment irregularities as legitimate, calling for prompt administrative action to restore trust.
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Direct Outreach Suggested: While acknowledging initial efforts by state representatives to talk to student groups, Gandhi advised that a direct meeting with Chief Minister Soren would help address outstanding issues and reassure the youth.
Context of the Unrest
The demonstrations in Jharkhand have grown, with student organisations demanding an independent probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into recruitment procedures, alongside the cancellation of affected exams.
Although local law enforcement and the Jharkhand Crime Investigation Department (CID) have carried out arrests and raids in connection with paper leaks, several student groups have continued their agitation and hunger strikes, pressing for comprehensive reforms.
