Student Protests Intensify in Jharkhand Over Alleged Exam Irregularities

Student protests in Jharkhand have entered their 13th day following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the 14th Combined Civil Services Examination conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Protesters, some of whom are on a hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, are demanding the cancellation of the preliminary exams and an independent inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate. Some protesters have further called for the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, stating he is unfit for office. The state government has arrested 16 people in connection with the irregularities and has formed a ministerial committee to hold talks with the students. Chief Minister Hemant Soren met with Governor Santosh Gangwar to brief him on the situation, and the Governor described the irregularities as a matter of grave concern. While the government has reached out for dialogue, students have expressed hesitation over closed door meetings and have planned a gherao of the state assembly for August 10. The protests have gained visibility through support from figures such as Sonam Wangchuk and actress Sonakshi Sinha. In the Jharkhand Assembly, BJP legislators wore masks to demand a CBI probe. Meanwhile, in the national Parliament, the BJP has accused the Congress party of hypocrisy, alleging that the Jharkhand government used a blacklisted company to conduct exams while the Congress party supports the protests.