The student agitation in Ranchi has gained another layer of activity as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest against the Jharkhand government. The organisation raised slogans against the government and announced a peaceful march towards the Chief Minister’s residence, adding to the demonstrations already taking place over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. ABVP said it is seeking cancellation of disputed examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. The organisation also said it had earlier conducted a signature campaign across colleges in Jharkhand and symbolic effigy-burning protests at district centres before launching the student protest march. Meanwhile, students leading the ongoing agitation at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium have maintained that their platform is not affiliated with any political party. The protesters have repeatedly stressed that their movement should remain non-political while demanding action from the state government. Students have said the government may speak to political parties and other stakeholders if it chooses, but the core demands must not be ignored. Protesters continue to demand cancellation of disputed examinations and a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities. The students have also indicated that they are preparing for an Assembly gherao if their demands are not fulfilled. Their representatives have maintained that negotiations with the government should lead to concrete action rather than merely extending discussions. The latest ABVP protest comes as the government continues talks with different student groups. While political organisations are increasingly taking to the streets over the issue, the protesting students are attempting to maintain an independent identity for their movement.
