Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Jharkhand Exam Protest Sparks BJP-JMM Political Clash Over Exams
Students in Jharkhand are protesting recruitment exams they believe had problems.
They are upset that 22 exams were cancelled and say the government did not defend its decision strongly in court.
Some protesters tried to burn pictures of the chief minister and Rahul Gandhi.
This led to clashes and accusations of assaults by JMM workers.
The protesters and BJP leader Babulal Marandi say students were attacked and their voices were being suppressed.
JMM leader Mithilesh Kumar Thakur said people may express their views, but burning effigies against court orders is not acceptable.
The incident has created a political dispute between the BJP and JMM.
The article reports allegations from both sides but does not establish the claims independently.
Members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch attempted to burn effigies of Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi on Friday evening.
Protesters questioned the state government’s defence of its decision to cancel 22 recruitment examinations in the High Court.
Students alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.
Protesters accused Jharkhand Mukti Morcha workers of assaulting them, taking effigies, and targeting women during rallies.
Babulal Marandi condemned the alleged attacks, while JMM leader Mithilesh Kumar Thakur said effigy burning violated judicial orders.
- Who
- Members of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, BJP leader Babulal Marandi, and JMM leader Mithilesh Kumar Thakur were central to the dispute.
- What
- A protest over alleged recruitment-exam irregularities and the cancellation of 22 examinations led to skirmishes and a BJP-JMM political clash.
- When
- Friday evening; the article does not provide a specific date.
- Where
- Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Giridih, Hazaribagh, and other districts.
- Why
- Protesters objected to alleged exam irregularities and the government’s handling of the cancelled examinations; JMM objected to effigy burning as allegedly contrary to judicial orders.
Protesters and BJP
JMM and State Government
Alleged attacks on protesters
Protesters and BJP
Protesters and Babulal Marandi alleged that JMM workers assaulted students, took their effigies, targeted women, and used sticks during demonstrations.
JMM and State Government
The article does not provide a direct response from JMM to each assault allegation, but JMM representative Mithilesh Kumar Thakur focused on the alleged violation involved in burning effigies.
Effigy burning during demonstrations
Protesters and BJP
The protesters attempted to burn effigies as part of their demonstration against the chief minister and the government’s handling of the exam issue.
JMM and State Government
Mithilesh Kumar Thakur said people have the right to express their views, but burning effigies in defiance of judicial orders is unacceptable.
Handling of cancelled examinations
Protesters and BJP
Protesters accused the state government of failing to effectively defend its decision to cancel 22 recruitment examinations in the High Court.
JMM and State Government
The article reports that the government cancelled the 22 examinations, but does not include a detailed government explanation of its court defence.
- Examinations cancelled
- 22 recruitment examinations
- Exam bodies
- Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission
- Protesting group
- JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch
- Protest action
- Attempted burning of effigies of Hemant Soren and Rahul Gandhi
- BJP response
- Babulal Marandi condemned alleged attacks on students and accused JMM workers of using force.
- JMM response
- Mithilesh Kumar Thakur said burning effigies in defiance of judicial orders was unacceptable.