Jharkhand Students Demand Chief Minister's Resignation Over Exam Irregularities

Students protesting alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations have demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The protesters, organized under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, announced plans to gherao the Chief Minister's official residence on August 20. They have also called for the Congress party to withdraw its support from the JMM-led coalition and announced the burning of effigies of Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on August 16 across 24 districts. The students are seeking the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a CBI investigation or an inquiry by a panel of retired judges from outside the state. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured the youth that the government is working to ensure transparency and that talent will not be wasted due to the mafia. A Congress leader, Rajesh Thakur, supported the Chief Minister, stating that Soren has acknowledged the irregularities and is taking steps to address them. Parallel to the broader movement, Devendra Nath Mahto, a leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, has been on a hunger strike since August 2. Mahto alleged that police assaulted him and his associates on August 15 while preventing him from joining a Tiranga Yatra. A Congress leader defended the police action by stating that Mahto's health was the priority. Center-left reporting focuses heavily on the personal narrative and alleged police mistreatment of Devendra Nath Mahto, while center-right reporting emphasizes the political demands for the Chief Minister's resignation and the government's response.