Rahul Gandhi Writes To Hemant Soren Over Jharkhand Recruitment Exam Protests

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has urged his alliance partner and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to personally meet students protesting against alleged irregularities in the state’s recruitment examinations. In a letter dated August 14, Gandhi described the ongoing demonstrations as peaceful and the students’ demands as legitimate. The protest entered its 24th day on Monday, with some students continuing an indefinite hunger strike.

A large number of job aspirants have been staging a sit-in at Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi, seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination, the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level examination and other recruitment tests. Gandhi noted that the Congress supports the right to peaceful protest and has backed students raising concerns over alleged examination malpractice and irregularities in the education system.

Gandhi also acknowledged that the Jharkhand government had initiated dialogue with the protesters and indicated that there was agreement on several of their demands. However, he noted that the agitation had continued and some students remained on hunger strike. He urged Soren to meet representatives of the protesters personally, arguing that such an interaction could reinforce the government’s commitment to resolving the issues that remain unresolved.

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The students have previously asked Gandhi to withdraw Congress support from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led coalition if Soren failed to address their concerns. They have also criticised the Congress leader for expressing support without, according to them, producing concrete action. The protesters have demanded Soren’s resignation and announced plans to demonstrate outside the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20.

Led by student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, the protesters have sought cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities. They have proposed either a CBI probe or an inquiry by a panel of retired High Court judges from outside Jharkhand. The protesters have alleged that examination seats were sold to candidates, including applicants from outside the state, for amounts ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore, though these allegations remain subject to investigation.

The JPSC has postponed the Combined Civil Services Mains Examination, which was originally scheduled from July 25 to 27, citing unavoidable circumstances. The protesters have argued that repeated instances of alleged examination malpractice are affecting deserving candidates and weakening confidence in the recruitment system. With the agitation continuing and fresh government-protester talks scheduled, Gandhi’s appeal for a direct meeting with Soren adds pressure on the state government to address the students’ remaining demands.

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