Jharkhand students demand CM Soren’s resignation over exam leaks

The Hindu reports that students in Jharkhand demanding Chief Minister Hemant Soren's resignation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations will gherao his residence in Ranchi on August 20. The JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, leading the 22-day-old agitation, also called for burning effigies of Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi across all 24 districts on August 16.

The protest began after the JPSC results on July 2 and has been spearheaded by Devendra Nath Mahto, a 33-year-old JLKM leader on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2. The agitators demand cancellation of the JSSC-CGL test and other suspicious exams, along with a CBI or independent judicial probe. Talks with the government led to cancellation of JPSC prelims but not the key demands.

Students have also asked Rahul Gandhi to withdraw Congress support from the JMM-led coalition, accusing both parties of playing politics. The protest will continue until all demands are met, including the CM's resignation.