Ranchi, Aug 14: The ongoing JPSC-JSSC student agitation in Ranchi has acquired a sharper political edge, with three former Jharkhand chief ministers — Babulal Marandi, Raghubar Das and Champai Soren — extending support to the protesting candidates and mounting pressure on the Hemant Soren government over alleged recruitment irregularities.
The leaders have backed the demand for a CBI investigation into allegations surrounding JPSC-JSSC examinations and appointments, giving fresh momentum to the students’ long-running agitation.
Former chief minister Raghubar Das has warned that he would resort to a hunger strike if the state government fails to agree to the demand for a CBI probe.
Former chief minister and BJP leader Champai Soren has also stepped up his criticism of the government, accusing it of misrepresenting facts related to the recruitment controversy.
Soren has particularly questioned the role and background of TDPL, the Uttar Pradesh-based company that protesters have accused of being linked to alleged examination and recruitment irregularities.
He has demanded that the government disclose whether TDPL had been blacklisted in Uttar Pradesh, while also alleging that jobs were being “sold” by JPSC and other organisations. The allegations, however, remain subject to investigation.
Former chief minister and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi has also emerged as a prominent voice in support of the protesting students, raising the issue of alleged irregularities and pressing the government for action.
The issue is also being pushed at the national level by Jharkhand BJP leaders. State BJP president Aditya Sahu and Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth are reportedly highlighting the student movement in Delhi. Seth has also shared posts related to the agitation on social media.
Senior BJP leaders have further opposed alleged attempts by the district administration to remove the protesting students from their protest site.
The students’ platform has so far sought to keep the agitation away from direct political backing. However, the active involvement of three former chief ministers and senior BJP leaders has added a significant political dimension to the JPSC-JSSC recruitment controversy.
The developments come as the students continue their agitation, demanding accountability and action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and appointments.
