Ranchi, August 19: The controversy surrounding the cancellation of exams and the alleged paper leak in Jharkhand continues to spark student protests. During this unrest, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev sharply criticized the state government, stating that it should have made the decision to cancel the exams much earlier. He emphasized that students peacefully protested to compel the government to change its stance.
Shahdev informed a news agency that the student movement has been ongoing for nearly 26 days, with tribal and indigenous youth taking to the streets to voice their demands. He condemned the police’s use of force during the assembly siege, labeling it as government brutality, and noted that ultimately, the government had to cancel the exams.
He also questioned the CID’s investigation into the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) CGL exam, alleging that a closure report issued in 2025 claimed no paper leak occurred, contradicting the government’s current acknowledgment of a leak. Shahdev raised concerns about the credibility of the investigative agency.
Candidates who passed the exam are now on the streets, and Shahdev holds both the government and the CID accountable. He criticized a statement advising successful candidates to approach the courts, arguing that the government is forcing students to seek justice through legal channels.
Shahdev reiterated the demand for a CBI investigation into the alleged exam scam, asserting that the case is connected to several states, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. He believes that a central agency like the CBI should conduct the inquiry, alleging that the state government is avoiding a CBI probe to prevent scrutiny reaching the highest levels of power.
Referring to alleged corruption linked to the JPSC, Shahdev mentioned the arrest of a former member’s personal secretary, who is accused of accepting 40 lakh rupees for interview rigging. He questioned why there has been no interrogation or arrest of the commission’s three members if the CID is investigating. Shahdev claimed that the inquiry seems to target only “small fish.”
He also alleged that the position of JPSC chairman is being sold for 70 crore rupees, with serious accusations made by opposition leaders, although these claims have not been independently verified.
Targeting Rahul Gandhi, Shahdev criticized the Congress leader for his delayed response to the student protests. He noted that while the movement began on July 25, Gandhi’s first statement came on August 6, suggesting that he did not prioritize the students’ issues in the early days of the protests.
The BJP spokesperson affirmed that the party morally supports the student movement and considers their demands legitimate. He urged the government to seriously address the students’ concerns and ensure a fair investigation into the alleged exam scam.
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