Students Demand Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren's Resignation, Form 11-Member Delegation for Talks with Government

The student protest over alleged recruitment examination irregularities in Jharkhand took a decisive turn on Thursday, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren while announcing an 11-member delegation to hold talks with the state government. The move comes after the government invited the agitating students for discussions, even as the dharna at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi entered its 13th day.

The protesters have been accusing the state government of failing to ensure fair recruitment and acting against alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) and other recruitment bodies.

Protesters Seek Chief Minister's Resignation

Stepping up pressure on the government, the students called for Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation, alleging that he had failed to protect the interests of lakhs of job aspirants and restore confidence in the state's recruitment process.

The protest, which began over allegations of paper leaks, delayed recruitment and examination irregularities, has now widened into a larger movement demanding accountability from the state government.

Among the key demands are a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC, JSSC and other recruitment examinations, action against those responsible, and measures to ensure transparency and fairness in future recruitment drives.

Students Announce 11-Member Delegation

Responding to the government's offer for dialogue, the protesters announced an official 11-member delegation that will represent them during the discussions.

The delegation comprises eight student representatives—Ravindra Paswan, Piyush Kumar Singh, Ravindra Kumar Ravi, Rajesh Prasad, Neetu Kujur, Kartik Soren, Sandeep Kumar and Shalu Singh. It also includes journalists Shambhunath Choudhary and Vikas Verma, along with advocate Ajit Kumar.

The students clarified that only the eight student representatives would present their demands and viewpoints before the government.

According to the protesters, the two journalists and the advocate will accompany the delegation solely as guardians and advisors. They will neither place demands nor present arguments on behalf of the students.

The students also said the journalists would not carry microphones, cameras, recording devices or any other broadcasting equipment into the meeting venue. They maintained that the decision was taken to ensure the discussions remain peaceful, orderly and transparent.

Protest at a Crucial Stage

This is the first time since the agitation began that the protesters have formally constituted a delegation for negotiations with the government, signalling a possible breakthrough in the standoff.

With both sides preparing for talks, attention is now on whether the discussions can resolve the students' demands or whether the agitation, now backed by a call for the Chief Minister's resignation, will gather further momentum in the coming days.