Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to personally meet students protesting alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations and take steps to resolve their concerns.
In a letter dated August 14 and released on Monday, Gandhi said the students’ protest had remained peaceful and that their demands were legitimate. He welcomed the state government’s efforts to engage with the protesters through a committee but noted that the agitation was continuing, with some students on an indefinite hunger strike.
‘Please Hear Them Out’
Gandhi said a direct meeting between Soren and student representatives could help rebuild confidence in the government’s efforts to resolve the dispute.
“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,” he wrote.
He added, “The youth of India is its future. We owe them our solidarity and support at this moment of crisis. Please do your utmost to hear them out and take appropriate action towards the resolution of this issue.”
The protest over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 24th day on Monday.
The state government has invited the protesting students for another round of talks. While some demands have reportedly been discussed with the government, a section of the protesters continues to seek further action, including a CBI probe and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination.
Rahul Gandhi Backs Right to Peaceful Protest
Gandhi said the Congress supports students protesting against paper leaks and 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,” he said.
He also criticised the BJP and RSS, alleging that the education system had been transformed into a means of exploiting students.
“The Indian education system has been captured by the RSS and BJP and transformed into a tool for the exploitation and oppression of students,” Gandhi said, adding that it was “no longer the robust knowledge system that it used to be a decade ago.”
Probe Into Recruitment Exam Irregularities
The Jharkhand Police’s Crime Investigation Department is investigating allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations. According to reports, 20 people, including former JPSC chairman L Khiangte, have been arrested in connection with the probe.
A group of state ministers has been holding talks with the protesting students, but some demonstrators have demanded direct intervention from Soren.
The Congress is part of the ruling JMM-led alliance in Jharkhand. Gandhi’s appeal comes as the government seeks to end the prolonged protest through further negotiations with the students.
