Ranchi, Aug. 3: Devendra Nath Mahato, a student activist leading the ongoing agitation against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) recruitment examinations, has emerged as the face of the protest movement in Ranchi, with supporters on social media dubbing him “Sonam Wangchuk 2.0” for his peaceful mode of agitation.
Mahato, who is spearheading the protest at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, is currently on an indefinite hunger strike as thousands of competitive examination aspirants continue to demand transparency and accountability in the state’s recruitment process.
The protesters are seeking an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations, a CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe into the alleged recruitment scam, timely declaration of examination results, merit-based recruitment and speedy appointments.
Explaining his decision to begin the hunger strike, Mahato said the step was taken after repeated demonstrations failed to draw a response from the authorities.
“Despite weeks of protests, we have received no response from the authorities,” he said.
“The movement has now reached a do-or-die situation for thousands of students,” Mahato added, while urging protesters to maintain peace and seek a solution through dialogue.
Mahato has been associated with student movements in Jharkhand since 2015, raising issues related to recruitment examination transparency, delays in appointments, paper leaks, scholarship irregularities and reservation policies. His emphasis on non-violent protests and dialogue has drawn comparisons with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, earning him the moniker “Sonam Wangchuk 2.0” on social media.
A resident of Kapidih village in Ranchi district’s Rahe block, Mahato completed his schooling before graduating in Sanskrit from Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi. He later obtained a Bachelor of Education degree and postgraduate qualifications in Sanskrit and Kurmali.
Supporters say Mahato remained committed to student causes despite personal setbacks, including the reported death of his mother during protests related to alleged irregularities in the 6th JPSC examination. He also contested the 2024 Jharkhand Assembly election from the Tamar constituency as an independent candidate.
The ongoing agitation has received support from several student organisations. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has also backed the movement, with its founder Abhijeet Dipke reportedly interacting with Mahato and protesting students through video conferencing.
The protest has intensified pressure on the state government, with aspirants insisting that the agitation will continue until their demands for a transparent and credible recruitment system are addressed.
