Student and youth groups in Jharkhand have appealed to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to withdraw the party’s support to the Hemant Soren-led government if their demands are not addressed.
Jharkhand is currently governed by a Jharkhand Mukti Morcha–Congress alliance. Protesters allege irregularities in three examinations conducted by the state staff selection commission and have been agitating for more than 20 days, demanding that the tests be cancelled.
The groups have also called for an independent investigation, either by the CBI or by a committee comprising retired judges, to probe the alleged malpractices.
As the agitation intensified across the state, protesters in multiple districts reportedly burnt effigies of Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi, accusing the ruling coalition of failing to take firm steps to meet their demands.
Student leaders said Rahul should extend support to their movement, citing his backing for a protest in Delhi linked to the alleged leak of the NEET medical entrance exam question paper.
