Congress Chairman Karge Announces Support for Students Protesting in Jharkhand

The Supreme Court expressed the opinion that authorities must exercise caution when interacting with students who are holding protests. The court emphasized that any violent reaction aimed at preventing violence only exacerbates the existing situation.

Hundreds of students continued their protests in Ranchi on Sunday, the fifth consecutive day, over alleged irregularities related to the conduct of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, as well as JSSC-CGL and other competitive tests. Protesters insist on an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary test, and the need for reforms in the state's personnel selection agencies.

The protest was intensified by a candlelight procession, and demonstrators threatened to march to the Jharkhand Assembly if the state government did not meet their demands. Students are holding an indefinite sit-in strike at the Jai Pil Singh Munda stadium and marched to Albert Ekka Chowk on Sunday evening, chanting slogans against the ruling JMM coalition and demanding an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams.

They warned that if no response was received from the government in the coming days, they would proceed to the Jharkhand Assembly and hold a gherao. Protesters stated that they had not received any official proposals from officials to discuss their issues, which they believe demonstrates the indifference of the ruling JMM coalition towards thousands of students and youth in the state.

The demonstrations began on July 29 and have garnered support from students across Jharkhand, many of whom claim that years of preparation for entrance exams are being undermined by constant allegations of material leaks and malpractice.

At the protest site, students continued to chant slogans such as 'Order CBI to investigate JPSC,' 'Long Live Student Unity,' and 'Shame on Hemant Soren.' JPSC postgraduate Rahul Kumar Kranti noted that material leaks in JPSC have occurred repeatedly, and this time the candidates' OMR sheets were compromised. Although Chief Minister Hemant Soren ordered an investigation by the CID, protesters remained dissatisfied.

Kranti stated that previous investigations into JSSC material leaks had not led to any action, and he fears that the latest investigation might also be 'shelved' in a few months. He expressed a complete loss of confidence in the current CID investigation and demanded a CBI investigation into all JPSC and JSSC exams conducted over the last seven years, as well as the resignation of the Prime Minister on moral grounds.

Protesters demand the cancellation of the 14th JPSC preliminary test, held on April 19, and an independent investigation by central agencies, including the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, into the alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams. Furthermore, they are pushing for the inclusion of a fifth option, 'did not attempt to answer,' in the OMR sheets.

For many young activists, this protest has become a fight for justice and opportunities, rather than just a dispute over exams. Ankit Kumar from Giridih district emphasized that the careers of thousands of students are at risk due to corruption in both agencies, and most of them come from farming families who only desire fair opportunities based on merit.

Sneha, a student from a tribal community in Ranchi, stated that the protesters demand strict punishment for those involved in the alleged irregularities and the cancellation of the 14th JPSC exam. She appealed to CM Soren to accept their demands, as she has been preparing for competitive exams since 2023, and it is impossible to get a job without equal chances.

Archana Kumari from Palamu reported that the students will continue their campaign until the government responds to their demands and ensures accountability for the alleged irregularities. Despite the days of protests, the students declared their determination to continue the sit-in strike, receiving support from volunteers and supporters from various parts of the country. Shyam Bihari Gupta, a student from Balumatha in Latehar district, thanked those who supported the demonstration, noting that the state government is still in a state of 'sleep.'

Abidjit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), called on the government on Wednesday to stop the persecution of students who participated in nationwide protests related to the alleged leak of NEET examination materials. He emphasized that students are the 'future of the country,' not 'terrorists.'

Allegations of Persecution

Speaking to journalists at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport after returning from Delhi, Dipke stated that students in several states are being persecuted by the police even after the protests have ended. He accused the authorities of police visiting students' homes and threatening them with arrest.

Protests and Outcomes

Dipke returned to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after spending nearly 36 days at Janthar Mantar, where CJP led actions against the alleged NEET leak. He asserted that the protest campaign had evolved into a nationwide movement and led to the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He noted that the protests had been ongoing since his arrival in India.

Warning to the Government

Warning the government not to underestimate student activism, Dipke stated that the resignation of the Union Minister should not be seen as the end of the movement. He categorically stated that if the future of the country is treated this way, they are ready to 'change the government,' similar to what happened to Dharmendra Pradhan, if their demands are not met. He added that the government should not assume that student anger has subsided after the minister's resignation, and if necessary, they will launch a new campaign on a much larger scale.

Comments on the Prime Minister

In response to a question, Dipke also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he should resign and become an 'influencer,' noting that this is something he is 'very good at.'