Protest
'Unresponsive government': Jharkhand students escalate protest, demand CM Hemant Soren's exit
Ranchi/IBNS: Amid simmering protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, agitating students have now demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, mounting pressure on the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress government, according to media reports.
The protests have continued for over 10 days over alleged irregularities in government recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Students accuse government of being 'unresponsive'
Amid the ongoing demonstrations and hunger strike, the protesting students have accused the JMM-Congress-led government of being "unresponsive" to their demands.
The agitators said they remain open to dialogue but alleged that the government has not shown any willingness to engage with them or address their concerns.
Ladenge, Jeetenge!
— Gems (@gemsofbabus_) August 3, 2026
On the first day, there were just 50 people here in Jharkhand protest. Today, there are more than 2,000 people in front of my eyes.
Goosebumps! pic.twitter.com/r8euNYw0Aa
Devendra Nath Mahto leads hunger strike
The face of the agitation is Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over the alleged recruitment irregularities.
Mahto has emerged as the leading voice of the student movement, demanding accountability and reforms in the state's recruitment process.
'Sonam Wangchuk of Jharkhand'
On social media, Mahto has been dubbed "Sonam Wangchuk of Jharkhand", with many netizens drawing parallels between his hunger strike and activist Sonam Wangchuk's prolonged fast over the alleged NEET paper leak and education reforms.
The comparison has gained traction online as Mahto's protest continues to draw wider public attention and support.
#WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: Activist Sonam Wangchuk interacts with the Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato and asks about his health, who is sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in protest over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL, and… pic.twitter.com/sDosFybsAW
— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2026
What is the protest about?
The agitation began in Ranchi in late July 2026 and has since expanded into a statewide movement led by aspirants of the JPSC and JSSC examinations.
The protesters have alleged question paper leaks, corruption, manipulation in the recruitment process, and irregularities in the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Examination, besides raising concerns over other recruitment tests conducted by the two commissions.
Key demands of the protesters
The students are demanding:
- Cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Examination.
- A CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment.
- Transparent and time-bound recruitment processes.
- Structural reforms in the state's recruitment agencies to prevent similar controversies in the future.
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