Students Threaten Chief Minister’s Residence Siege Over Exam Paper Leak

On the 23rd day of the campaign in Ranchi, the protestors issued a stark ultimatum to Jharkhand’s chief minister Hemant Soren. They announced that a massive encirclement of the CM’s official residence will commence on August 20 if their list of grievances is not addressed by August 18.

The grievances focus on alleged misconduct in the JPSC‑JSSSC examinations, including claims that question papers were leaked and that the selection process was compromised. Participants claim that the state’s response has been apathetic, prompting them to adopt a more confrontational stance.

Ravindra Kumar Paswan, speaking on behalf of the student coalition, said, “We have tried peaceful protest for three weeks. The administration’s indifference leaves us no choice but to intensify our actions.”

Alongside the petition against the state government, the protesters criticized Rahul Gandhi for what they described as hollow assurances, noting that his party is part of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand.

If the siege proceeds, organizers expect a large influx of students traveling from various districts, turning the capital into a focal point of dissent.