Jharkhand Students' Protest: Hunger strike over exam 'anomaly' continues as CM Soren offers talks, BJP steps up attack

Published 6 August 2026 · politics

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant

Students intensified their protest over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand with five demonstrators joining an indefinite hunger strike, even as Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the question paper leak issues are a national problem and offered talks to resolve the impasse. The protest, which began on July 25 under the banner of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium here, emerged as one of the biggest student-led movements in the state in recent years. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What are the students demanding in the Jharkhand protest? ⌵ The students are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination, a comprehensive investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities, and significant reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). 2 Why did the students in Jharkhand resort to a hunger strike? ⌵ The students initiated a hunger strike as an extreme form of protest after their repeated appeals to the government regarding the alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations went unaddressed, leaving them with no other option. 3 How has the Jharkhand government responded to the ongoing student protests? ⌵ The Jharkhand government, led by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, has acknowledged the issues raised by the students and offered to hold discussions to address their concerns, while also highlighting that recruitment irregularities are a significant national problem. 4 Who is Devendra Nath Mahto and what role has he played in the protest? ⌵ Devendra Nath Mahto is a student leader and prominent figure in the Jharkhand protests. He has been on a hunger strike to draw attention to the demands for accountability and reforms in the recruitment process, symbolizing the students' struggle. 5 What actions are being taken by authorities in response to the recruitment irregularities in Jharkhand?

⌵ Authorities are conducting a CID investigation into the alleged recruitment irregularities, which has already led to the arrest of individuals linked to the issue, and have postponed ongoing examinations as part of their response. The demonstrators are demanding cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination and an independent probe into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment test either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or by a panel of retired high court judges from outside the state. They also stressed comprehensive reforms in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). Ahead of the monsoon session of the state assembly, five protesters, including two women, joined Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for the past four days. Mahto's health became a matter of concern after his blood sugar and pressure levels dropped significantly. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently observed a 26-day hunger strike in Delhi over the NEET paper leak issue, spoke to Mahto over the phone and urged him to at least drink water to safeguard his health. Following Wangchuk's appeal, Mahto agreed to end his complete fast by drinking water while continuing his indefinite protest. The protesters said they had been forced to adopt the extreme form of agitation after repeated appeals to the government "failed" to produce any concrete action. "Our five friends, including two women, have joined the hunger strike to strengthen the movement and press for our demands," said JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch spokesperson Jivan Kumar. One of the fasting protesters, Sabita Kumari, said the government had "ignored" students' concerns, leaving them with no alternative but to intensify their agitation. Govt initiats efforts to break the deadlock As the agitation gained momentum, the state administration initiated efforts to break the deadlock through dialogue.