# Devendra Mahato continues hunger strike, rejects Jharkhand govt claim on demands 2026-08-13T03:41:54+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahato, on the 11th day of his indefinite hunger strike against alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams, was admitted to Sadar Hospital in Ranchi after his health deteriorated. In an exclusive interview, Mahato rejected the Hemant Soren government's claim that 90 per cent of protesters' demands have been met, saying only half have been fulfilled on the ground. He insisted the agitation will continue until the government issues a formal written order, not mere assurances. Responding to allegations of the protest being hijacked by the BJP, Mahato said he has been leading this struggle since July 2 and no political party is involved. He also called on Rahul Gandhi to visit Jharkhand and speak with Chief Minister Soren to find a permanent solution. Mahato warned that if the government fails to reform the system, students will launch a direct political opposition against it. ## Coverage - aajtak.in Tags: exam irregularities, hunger strike, Jharkhand, JPSC, JSSC, student protest Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/devendra-mahato-continues-hunger-strike-rejects-jharkhand-govt-claim-on-demands/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/devendra-mahato-continues-hunger-strike-rejects-jharkhand-govt-claim-on-demands/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.