Students in Ranchi Shift Protest Tactics, Announce Effigy Burning Against Government

Ranchi, August 16: The ongoing student protests against alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC examinations have entered their 23rd day. On Sunday, students plan to demonstrate against Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. They have announced an effigy burning as part of their protest.

The protesting students issued an ultimatum, stating that if the government does not sympathetically consider their demands by August 18, they will surround the Chief Minister’s residence on August 20. They claim that thousands of students from across the state will join the protest at the Chief Minister’s residence.

Students are also accusing Congress MP Rahul Gandhi of inaction. They argue that while he assures them of support, his party is in coalition with the government, and its ministers are making irresponsible statements.

Student Ravindra Kumar Paswan stated, “We are changing the nature of our protest. The Jharkhand government is responsible for this situation. We have protested peacefully for the past 22 days, but it seems that this approach has not resonated with the state government, forcing students to take more drastic measures.”

He added, “We are now determined to fight until our demands are met.” There is significant anger among the students, who feel that their peaceful protests have gone unheard. “Today, we will burn effigies,” he declared.

Ravindra expressed frustration over Rahul Gandhi’s lack of tangible support, saying, “While Congress is part of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand, Rahul Gandhi has not done anything for us. He promised through a post that he stands with students, but those promises remain unfulfilled.”

He questioned why Rahul Gandhi is not helping them, despite his claims of support. “On one hand, he says he is with the students, but on the other, he cannot control his ministers’ statements,” he noted. “Rahul Gandhi is a prominent leader, yet why can’t he manage his ministers? There is a disconnect between his words and their actions.”

Ravindra concluded by stating that both the JMM and Congress share equal responsibility for the current situation, and all students have recognized their game.