Jharkhand exam stir enters 20th day; political standoff over CBI probe deepens

The protest by job aspirants in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations entered its 20th day on Thursday (August 13, 2026), with demonstrators refusing to end their stir until their demands are met. The sit-in at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, organised by the 'JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch', has drawn support from various student bodies and political parties.

The JPSC and JSSC conduct recruitment for thousands of state government posts, making the issue of fairness critical for many young people. The protesters are demanding greater transparency in recruitment processes, cancellation of several tests, and an independent inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a panel of retired judges from outside Jharkhand. They have also called for action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities, which they say have impacted the careers of thousands of candidates.

The movement has taken a political turn, with former Chief Minister Raghubar Das on Wednesday threatening to go on a hunger strike if a CBI probe is not ordered within a week. Das, a senior BJP leader, also demanded compensation of ₹1 crore each for the families of 19 aspirants who died during the 2024 excise constable physical examination. The ABVP, a student organisation affiliated with the BJP, has announced protests at over 1,200 universities across the country over the issue. It has also questioned the credibility of the state-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT), citing repeated changes in its composition.

The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Congress, which are in an alliance, have accused the BJP of politicising the agitation. Congress leaders claimed that the BJP was bringing in outsiders from other states to disrupt the protests and create unrest in the state. The BJP, on the other hand, has accused the Hemant Soren government of trying to suppress the movement.

Tensions escalated on Monday (August 10) when protesters marched towards the state assembly. Police used batons, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse them. The BJP called a statewide bandh in protest against the police action.

Meanwhile, JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike and is undergoing treatment at a hospital after his health deteriorated, has sought permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to return to the protest site, saying his “soul” remained with the movement. Four students who are on hunger strike are also receiving hospital treatment.

Efforts to resolve the impasse have so far failed. Six rounds of talks between the government and student representatives have been held without a breakthrough. Chief Minister Hemant Soren has maintained that his government is committed to recruitment exam reforms and assured that the 14th JPSC examination would be cancelled. He has also accused the BJP of using the agitation for political gains. Protesters, meanwhile, have said they will continue their sit-in until all their demands are met.