Jharkhand exam row intensifies as BJP seeks CBI probe, alleges crackdown on students
The political row over Jharkhand's recruitment exams intensified on Saturday, with three senior BJP leaders demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and accusing the JMM-led government of using police force against protesting job aspirants.
Former chief minister Champai Soren, Union minister Sanjay Seth and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi separately criticised the government over Friday's clashes between police and students in Ranchi, Hazaribag, Giridih and other districts.
Soren alleged that students were beaten while protesting against the recruitment exam row and demanded that the state government recommend a CBI inquiry.
"JMM workers and police thrashed the students who were peacefully protesting and attempting to burn effigies of the chief minister," Soren alleged.
He claimed the protesters had obtained permission from the administration for their demonstration and accused the government of having no intention of giving them justice.
The BJP leader also questioned the handling of alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).
"Former JPSC chairman is in jail, while other members have been forced to resign. Now, who will submit the documents related to irregularities?" he asked.
The dispute intensified after the Jharkhand government cancelled 22 recruitment examinations and ordered probes into 23 others following a 26-day protest over alleged irregularities.
The decision, however, led to fresh protests by candidates who had cleared some of the examinations and feared losing their jobs. Several candidates approached the Jharkhand High Court, which later stayed a number of government notifications cancelling recruitment examinations.
Following the court's intervention, candidates held protests across several districts on Friday.
Sanjay Seth demanded a CBI probe into recruitment examinations conducted by the JPSC and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC-CGL) over the past six years.
He accused JMM workers and police of assaulting students during Friday's protests and alleged that people in power had "sold jobs" and collected more than Rs 1,000 crore.
Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi also condemned the alleged attacks on protesting students and demanded the arrest of those responsible.
He said using force against students protesting over recruitment examinations amounted to an attack on democratic and constitutional rights.
"The attempt to silence students' voices with sticks and batons is an attack on democracy," Marandi said.
The BJP leaders' statements come as the dispute over Jharkhand's recruitment examinations continues, with protesting candidates seeking clarity over their jobs and the opposition stepping up pressure on the Hemant Soren government.
(With inputs from PTI)