Jharkhand protesters harden stand, set Aug 20 CM house gherao

JPSC-JSSC job aspirants protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand's recruitment exams have hardened their stand. The JPSC-JSSC Reform Manch, leading the agitation, posted on X: 'Gandhi ji ke raaste chalke dekh liya, ab Bhagat Singh bante hain' (We tried Gandhi's path, now we'll become Bhagat Singh). Protesters plan to gherao Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence in Ranchi on August 20, demanding his resignation, and burned effigies of Soren and Rahul Gandhi across all 24 districts on Sunday.

The agitation entered its 23rd day on Sunday. Hunger striker Prem Nayak, on his 13th day, told Times Now that he did not think he would survive much longer, adding that he had developed fever but refused hospitalisation. Rediff.com reports the protesters' key demands include cancelling the 14th JPSC exam, a CBI probe into all examinations, making the probe report public, and action against the guilty. They also seek the revocation of the suspension of whistleblower Santosh Kumar Mastana.

Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi extended moral support to the protesters, saying the government should order a CBI probe. State Congress media in-charge Rakesh Sinha said the party would hold a meeting on August 18 to discuss reforms in recruitment exams. The protesters have set an August 18 deadline for the government to meet their demands.