Ranchi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to personally meet representatives of protesting students as their agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations entered its 24th consecutive day on Monday.

Gandhi calls students’ demands legitimate

In a letter to Soren, Gandhi said the students’ demands were legitimate and that their protest had remained peaceful. He welcomed the state government’s efforts to engage with the protesters but said a direct meeting with the Chief Minister could help address their concerns.

“I am writing to suggest that you personally meet with the representatives of the protesting students,” Gandhi said in his letter.

Gandhi also emphasised the importance of listening to the concerns of young people and urged the state government to take appropriate action.

Students seek action over recruitment exams

The students have been protesting in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

The protesters have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, including cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter.

Some protesters have also been observing an indefinite hunger strike as part of the agitation.

Talks continue as protest enters Day 24

The agitation has continued for 24 days, with several rounds of discussions held between representatives of the state government and the protesting students. Another round of talks was expected on Monday.

The protesters have maintained that they are ready for dialogue but want concrete action on their key demands.

Gandhi’s intervention comes amid continued pressure on the Jharkhand government to resolve the students’ grievances through dialogue and find a solution to the prolonged agitation.