Student protests over alleged recruitment exam irregularities in Jharkhand entered the sixth day on Monday, with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) extending its support to the agitation that has rapidly grown into a statewide movement.
The demonstrators are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination, action over alleged irregularities in JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment exams, and a CBI investigation into the matter.
CJP leader Dipke voiced support for the protesters through a post on X, saying the party stood with students seeking justice. “Spoke to the students who are protesting in Jharkhand over irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams. The CJP stands with all the students in Jharkhand and supports their demands,” he wrote.
The protest began as a small sit-in at Ranchi’s Vapu Batika over allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations. Within days, it transformed into a major student movement, attracting participants from across Jharkhand. Political parties, student organisations and civil society groups have also expressed solidarity with the protesters.
Protest draws comparisons with Jantar Mantar movement
As hundreds of students assembled at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on July 29, waving the national flag and demanding accountability from the Hemant Soren government, many observers began comparing the agitation to the student-led protests held at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The biggest similarity is the use of a hunger strike as a form of protest. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has emerged as the face of the movement, has launched an indefinite fast, demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination over alleged irregularities.
The strategy has drawn comparisons with activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike during nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Like the demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, the Ranchi protest has also become known for its energetic slogans, patriotic songs and growing public participation.
Students at the protest site say they are determined to continue their agitation until the government responds to their demands. One of the slogans gaining popularity at the venue reflects their resolve: “We’re staying awake to wake up the government.”
With the protest entering its sixth day and receiving backing from national political groups, pressure is mounting on the Jharkhand government to address the allegations surrounding the state’s recruitment examinations.