Ranchi, August 10: The ongoing agitation by Jharkhand job aspirants intensified on Monday as thousands of students marched towards the state Assembly over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. The BJP threw its weight behind the protesters and accused the ruling alliance of adopting “double standards” on student movements and employment issues.
The agitation, centred on alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), has entered its 17th day. Protesters are demanding greater transparency in recruitment and action over their grievances, while the state government has maintained that it has accepted around 98 per cent of the demands. Students, however, say their key concerns remain unresolved.
The BJP-led Opposition has accused the Hemant Soren government of failing to address the concerns of job aspirants. On Monday, BJP Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and several party leaders joined the agitation. Around 50 BJP leaders, including 21 MLAs, were detained while protesting outside Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s residence, according to reports. The BJP has also demanded accountability over the recruitment controversy.
The party has criticised the Opposition’s response to the movement, arguing that political parties that regularly support student protests elsewhere are taking a different position in Jharkhand because they are part of the ruling alliance. BJP leaders have sought to portray the agitation as a genuine youth movement rather than a politically motivated campaign.
Meanwhile, the health of protesters on hunger strike has emerged as another major concern. At least one student protester was taken to Sadar Hospital in Ranchi after his health deteriorated during an indefinite fast. Reports said several students had been continuing their hunger strike as part of the agitation. Another protester was shifted to an ICU after his condition worsened.
Tensions rose further on Monday when protesters attempting to move towards the Assembly encountered heavy security arrangements, including barricades, barbed wire and water cannons. Police used force to control sections of the gathering after demonstrators breached barricades.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has said his government is committed to dialogue, justice and transparency and has urged protesters to engage with the administration rather than resort to confrontation.
With the Assembly session underway and the student movement showing no signs of ending, the recruitment exam controversy has become a major political flashpoint in Jharkhand.
