New Delhi, Aug 2026 : Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to personally meet representatives of students protesting against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The students’ agitation entered its 24th consecutive day on Monday, with protesters continuing their demonstration at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. A fourth round of talks between government representatives and the protesting students is scheduled for Monday, with the future course of the agitation expected to depend largely on the outcome of the discussions.
In a letter addressed to Soren, Gandhi said the Congress supports the right to peaceful protest guaranteed by the Constitution and has extended its support to students raising concerns over paper leaks and alleged irregularities in the education system.
“The Congress party believes that the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in the Constitution of India is one of the central pillars of our democracy,” Gandhi said, while urging the government to engage with the protesting students.
He also alleged that the education system in the country had been transformed under the influence of the RSS and BJP, claiming that it was being used as a tool for the exploitation and oppression of students. The remarks come amid a broader political debate over examination reforms, recruitment processes and alleged paper leaks.
Referring specifically to the ongoing protest in Ranchi, Gandhi acknowledged that the Jharkhand government had initiated discussions with the students through a committee constituted by the Chief Minister. He noted that there appeared to be agreement on several of the demands raised by the protesters.
However, Gandhi expressed concern over the continuation of the agitation and the participation of some students in an indefinite hunger strike. He urged Soren to intervene personally and meet the representatives of the protesting students.
“I am writing to suggest that you personally meet with representatives of the protesting students. This will help reinforce the government's commitment to resolve their remaining concerns,” Gandhi said.
Emphasising the importance of addressing the concerns of young people, the Congress leader said the youth constitute the future of the country and called upon the Chief Minister to hear the students’ grievances and take appropriate action.
The students have been demanding strict action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and greater accountability in the examination process. They have remained at the protest site in large numbers and have also announced plans to lay siege to the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20.
With another round of government-student dialogue scheduled, all eyes are now on whether the talks can produce a mutually acceptable resolution and bring the prolonged agitation to an end.
