Jharkhand protesters burn CM, Rahul Gandhi effigies after HC stay

Protesters in Jharkhand have accused Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of betrayal after the Jharkhand High Court stayed government notifications cancelling several recruitment exams. Members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, leading the agitation, burned effigies of the leaders at Albert Chowk in Ranchi on August 22, with similar protests in Hazaribag and Giridih. The High Court had on August 21 stayed the cancellation of appointments made through the 11th and 13th JPSC examinations and the JSSC-CGL exam, angering candidates who had been demanding a probe into alleged irregularities.

India Today reports that the JMM-led government had earlier cancelled 22 job exams and ordered a probe into 23 others, ending a 26-day protest. However, successful candidates then moved court fearing job loss. The BJP has backed the protesters, with Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi accusing the JMM-Congress of betraying students. The JMM has alleged the BJP is using students for political gain. Hindustan Times adds that Ranchi Police have filed three FIRs against 14 named persons and over 200 unidentified individuals in connection with the August 21 clash between police and protesters, including leaders of the Reforms Manch. The protests have become a political flashpoint in the state.

The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch has questioned the government's handling of court proceedings, alleging senior law officers were absent. Leader Devendra Nath Mahto has announced a 'Recruitment System Reforms Yatra' from August 24 and warned of a possible gherao of the CM's residence if the government fails to effectively defend its position before the High Court on September 15. Meanwhile, the CID has widened its probe and urged the public to share information on the alleged exam irregularities, with 37 suspects already questioned.