Youth Dialogue Must Go Beyond Political Discussions: Devendra Nath Mahto

Ranchi, August 23: Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahto emphasized on Sunday that communication with the youth should not be limited to political discussions. Following his leadership in protests against alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment exams in Jharkhand, Mahto announced a new movement called the “Recruitment System Reform Yatra,” set to commence on Monday.

Previously, a prior movement was called off after the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led state government annulled the 11th and 13th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) exams and the appointments made through them. However, the High Court later stayed the government’s decision.

Speaking to a news agency, Mahto stated, “The protest will begin from Nemra village in Ramgarh district, which is also the ancestral home of the late former Chief Minister Shibu Soren. Our sole aim is justice; we need concrete steps. We will no longer settle for assurances and dialogues.”

When asked about the Bharatiya Janata Party’s formation of a committee for its Gen-Z outreach program, he remarked, “The BJP’s initiative is welcome; dialogue is essential. However, today’s youth desires more than just conversation and questions; they seek tangible solutions. They want assurance that their future is not being compromised.”

He highlighted the need for solutions to issues like paper leaks and unemployment affecting youth across the country. “While dialogue is welcome, it should not be limited to political discussions. It must lead to decisions and not just remain a slogan. If attempts are made to suppress this anger through dialogue, the youth will not agree,” he asserted.

Referring to protests in Delhi and Jharkhand, Mahto noted, “Today’s youth is not aligned with any political party, nor are they in favor or against anyone. They are solely fighting for their future and to reform this decaying system, which is why protests have occurred in both BJP-ruled and non-BJP-ruled states.”

He stressed, “Therefore, no one can claim that today’s youth is protesting under pressure from the ruling party or the opposition.”

In response to the FIRs filed against 14 named students and others, Mahto labeled it as the state government’s “dictatorial attitude.” However, he acknowledged that protesters had accepted beforehand that fighting against this system would not be easy.

He stated, “It will not be easy to uproot this corrupt system. Many challenges will arise along the way. FIRs, jail, police action, or beatings are part of the struggle.”

Pointing to the struggles of freedom fighters like Birsa Munda, Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, and B.R. Ambedkar, Devendra Nath Mahto remarked, “Let the government and administration do their work according to the law and order. We trust the judiciary and the Constitution.”