Ranchi, August 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The agitation in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) entered its 21st day on Friday, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto urging the JMM-led government to “save the soul” of the state.
Mahto, who has been leading the agitation in Ranchi, has been hospitalised after his health deteriorated during a hunger strike. In a video message, he appealed to the government and administration to address the protesters’ concerns.
“This is more painful than my physical suffering. Jobs are being given through leaked examination papers, cheating and favouritism. By selling jobs in Jharkhand, the soul of the state is being sold,” Mahto said.
He urged protesters not to allow the movement to weaken and appealed to people to protect what he described as the dignity of Jharkhand.
“Power may come and go in a democracy but don’t blindly follow orders,” he said, referring to the JMM-led government.
Mahto also alleged that some elements were attempting to divert the students’ agitation, which he said had been built with considerable difficulty.
Another protester, Khush Mahto, said he had been on hunger strike for 10 days and that the health of several protesters was deteriorating.
“Today is the 10th day of my hunger strike. Our health is continuously deteriorating,” he said.
Khush Mahto said his condition worsened significantly on the sixth day, following which he was admitted to Sadar Hospital and examined by a medical team. He said that after his condition improved somewhat, he participated in the ‘Vidhan Sabha Gherao’ protest on August 10 despite not having been formally discharged.
He said discussions between the protesters and the state government were continuing, while more students from different parts of the country were joining the agitation. According to him, the protest would continue until the demands of the students were addressed.
Meanwhile, protesters have announced a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in Ranchi on Independence Day.
Ravindra Kumar Paswan said the indefinite agitation would continue and described the planned march as an expression of patriotism and a message to the government.
“Tomorrow is August 15, so we will take out a grand Tiranga Yatra. This Tiranga Yatra will show the government that we all have the feeling of patriotic spirit and when such students hit the streets, the government should be serious about our demands,” he said.
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