RANCHI: The BJP on Sunday stepped up its attack on the Hemant Soren government over the alleged recruitment exam irregularities in Jharkhand, backing students who have been protesting in Ranchi for the past nine days and demanding a CBI probe into the controversy surrounding the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations.Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Tuhin Sinha said the protests reflected the frustration of thousands of job aspirants, many of whom had made significant financial sacrifices to prepare for the examinations.“For the last nine days, students have been protesting over alleged irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations. Many candidates come from poor families. Some have sold land, while others have sold jewellery or family property to prepare for these exams. They are now demanding reforms in the examination system,” Sinha said.Students have been staging an indefinite protest in Ranchi, alleging irregularities and paper leaks in the JPSC, JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) and other competitive examinations. They have sought cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services preliminary examination, greater transparency in the recruitment process and a CBI investigation into the alleged scams.The BJP and its youth wing, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), also organised protests across several districts, including East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Chatra, demanding an independent probe. In Jamshedpur, BJP and BJYM workers held an “Akrosh Rally” and submitted a memorandum to the Governor through the district administration, seeking a CBI inquiry, action against those responsible and accountability from the state government.In Chatra, BJYM leaders said aspirants had lost faith in the ongoing CID investigation and argued that only a CBI probe could ensure an impartial investigation into the alleged irregularities.The protests come amid an ongoing CID investigation into the 14th JPSC Civil Services examination. The agency has arrested 11 people so far, including officials and candidates, while former JPSC chairman L Khiangte has been questioned multiple times. The commission had earlier postponed the Civil Services Mains examination scheduled for July 25-27 following the controversy.Student protesters, however, have maintained that their agitation is apolitical and have said they will continue their indefinite sit-in until their demands for transparency, accountability and reforms in the state’s recruitment system are addressed.(With agency inputs)
