Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), resumed consuming water and salt on Wednesday after a video call with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
However, Mahto clarified that he would continue abstaining from food until the Jharkhand government addresses the students’ demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged recruitment irregularities, and wider reforms in the state’s recruitment system.
The protest, which began as a student sit-in at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on July 25, has grown into a statewide movement demanding transparency and accountability in public recruitment.
While Chief Minister Hemant Soren has assured that the government is examining the matter and promised justice after the ongoing investigation concludes, opposition leaders have intensified calls for a CBI inquiry. Meanwhile, the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) continues its probe after seizing documents and electronic devices during raids across Jharkhand.
Wangchuk’s Appeal Revives Protest Spirit
The movement entered a crucial phase after Mahto, who had reportedly survived four days without both food and water, accepted Sonam Wangchuk’s repeated request to safeguard his health. During their widely shared video conversation, Wangchuk expressed concern over Mahto’s deteriorating condition and urged him to drink water, describing prolonged dehydration as “tantamount to suicide”.
Mahto told Wangchuk that doctors had warned him he could require immediate hospitalisation if he continued refusing water. He also claimed that recruitment paper leaks had plagued Jharkhand for over two decades, leaving thousands of aspirants frustrated and disillusioned.
Speaking to reporters after ending his complete fast from water, Mahto said he had declined similar requests from doctors, supporters and fellow protesters, but accepted Wangchuk’s appeal on one condition that the activist continue supporting the Jharkhand students’ movement until their demands are met.
According to Mahto, Wangchuk agreed to remain connected through regular video calls and continue extending moral support. “From today onwards, I will consume water and salt, but I will not consume food until the Jharkhand government listens to our demands,” Mahto said, adding that Wangchuk’s support had significantly boosted the morale of protesting students.
The agitation has drawn increasing attention because of its peaceful nature and its resemblance to Wangchuk’s own recent hunger strike over examination reforms. Students have maintained round-the-clock protests since July 25, arguing that alleged irregularities have undermined trust in Jharkhand’s recruitment process.
Their key demands include cancellation of the 14th JPSC Preliminary Examination, a CBI investigation into alleged malpractice involving JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations, public release of OMR sheets and answer scripts, and structural reforms to improve transparency and accountability. Protesters have also warned that they will gherao the Jharkhand Assembly if the government fails to announce concrete action.
Government, CID And Opposition Respond
As pressure mounted, Chief Minister Hemant Soren broke his silence, saying his government was sensitive to students’ concerns and committed to ensuring justice within the constitutional framework. He stated that the government was awaiting findings from the ongoing investigation before taking an informed decision.
“The government has eyes and ears; it is sensitive to the issue… the investigation team is working day and night. Very soon we will make the students and the people of the state aware about it. All the necessities of the students will be met, and they will get justice,” Soren said.
His remarks signalled that the government intends to resolve the controversy after examining the evidence collected by investigating agencies rather than making an immediate announcement.
The Jharkhand CID has already intensified its investigation into the alleged examination irregularities, conducting raids at multiple locations across the state. During these searches, officials reportedly seized laptops, mobile phones, bank documents, carbon copies of OMR sheets and other materials believed to be relevant to the inquiry. Authorities are now analysing the seized evidence to determine whether organised malpractice occurred during the recruitment process.
The controversy has also triggered sharp political exchanges. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and several BJP leaders have demanded that the investigation be handed over to the CBI, arguing that an independent central agency would inspire greater public confidence. They have also called for strict action against officials found guilty and immediate acceptance of students’ demands.
Beyond politics, the movement has received widespread attention on social media, with videos of Mahto’s hunger strike and Wangchuk’s appeal being widely shared across platforms, prompting solidarity from competitive examination aspirants in several states. At the same time, online discussions reflect differing views over the protest strategy, though many users have broadly endorsed the demand for transparent and credible recruitment systems.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Public recruitment examinations represent the aspirations of millions of young people who invest years of hard work in the hope of securing equal opportunities. Whenever questions arise over transparency or fairness, they deserve timely, impartial and credible investigation.
At the same time, prolonged hunger strikes underscore the emotional and psychological burden carried by students who believe their futures are at stake. While peaceful democratic protest remains a legitimate means of expressing grievances, safeguarding the health and well-being of those participating is equally important. Sonam Wangchuk’s intervention highlights that it is possible to support a cause while encouraging non-violent and life-affirming methods of protest.
Also read: Jharkhand Job Protest Continues, Aspirants Demand Independent Judicial Inquiry
