Ranchi: The agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand intensified on Sunday as members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch burned effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav in Ranchi.
The protest, now in its 23rd day, is being led by students demanding a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, action against those responsible, and greater transparency in the state's recruitment process.
Earlier in the day, protesters held a torchlight march from Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium to Albert Ekka Chowk, where they burned the effigies. Similar demonstrations were also reported from several districts across the state.
The protesters alleged that despite repeated peaceful demonstrations and hunger strikes, the state government has failed to address their concerns. They also accused Congress and RJD, key allies in the ruling coalition, of not putting enough pressure on the government to order a CBI probe.
The student forum claimed that Congress had earlier assured support for their demands but questioned the party's commitment, alleging that no concrete action had followed.
Meanwhile, the Jharkhand government has invited representatives of the protesting students for a seventh round of talks, scheduled to be held at the State Guest House. Previous rounds of discussions have failed to produce a breakthrough.
The state government has announced several measures aimed at improving transparency in recruitment examinations, including a time bound examination calendar, technology-based safeguards, timely publication of answer keys and OMR sheets, and stricter accountability mechanisms.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren has also assured that allegations of irregularities will be investigated impartially and that those found guilty will face action.
However, the protesters remain unconvinced and have warned that the agitation will intensify if their demands are not met. Forum leader Ravindra Paswan said the movement could enter a more aggressive phase and reiterated the group's ultimatum to gherao the Chief Minister's residence on August 20 if no satisfactory action is taken.
