Ranchi, August 16: The student protests against irregularities and paper leaks in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations continue for the 23rd day. Demonstrators have announced plans to protest against Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, including burning effigies.
Manoj Pandey, spokesperson for the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), stated that it is the democratic right of students to express their grievances. He emphasized that students can burn effigies or take any action they deem necessary to voice their demands. “This is Jharkhand, this is Ranchi, and they understand this. Our Chief Minister and our government are sensitive to their issues. We neither roam around with pellet guns nor show them AK-47s. Therefore, it is the students’ right, and I hope they will present their demands in a democratic manner,” he said.
In response to warnings of a siege at the Chief Minister’s residence, Pandey remarked, “There are many forces involved. You can see that for yourselves. Whether you show it or not is a different matter. The coaching mafia is involved. What role do they play? Why are they present there? Who are these people besides the students, what are their motives, and which political party is backing them? A political party that has minimal strength and needs to bring people from Bengal to protest will attempt to use students as a shield. Everyone knows who these people are.”
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with the students, the JMM spokesperson commented, “The Congress is a national and responsible party. Their in-charge is a senior leader. If they have listened to the students, they will speak with the Chief Minister. A decision will be made only after discussions, so this is a positive development. They are our allies and part of the coalition. I believe their efforts and thinking are constructive.”
Leave a Comment