Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Mahto urges calm as thousands join Vidhan Sabha protest march
Many students in the Indian state of Jharkhand were upset because they believe government job tests were not fair.
A leader named Devendra Nath Mahto joined them as they marched to the state Assembly building.
He had not eaten for nine days to show his support for the students.
During that time, he lost a lot of weight.
Mahto asked everyone to stay calm and peaceful.
He reminded them that it was the birthday of the Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, and said there should be no violence.
He pointed to a violent protest in July and said they should not repeat it.
Mahto said the government was ignoring the students' demands.
He told people he is just an ordinary person who wants to be the voice of the students.
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto joined students marching to the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha (state Assembly) on Monday, August 10 over irregularities in recruitment examinations.
Mahto ended a nine-day hunger strike for the cause, during which he lost around 10.5 kg.
He urged protesters to remain calm and peaceful, noting the march fell on Chief Minister Hemant Soren's birthday.
He cited July 20 violence during the Cockroach Janta Party's Parliament march over the NEET paper leak as an example to avoid.
Mahto criticised the state government for ignoring student demands, saying failure to accept them would be 'a murder of democracy.'
- Who
- Devendra Nath Mahto, leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), and thousands of protesting students.
- What
- A protest march (gherao) to the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha (state Assembly) over irregularities in recruitment examinations.
- When
- Monday, August 10, on the birthday of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
- Where
- Jharkhand, India; marchers targeted the Vidhan Sabha (state Assembly).
- Why
- To press the state government to address students' demands over irregularities in recruitment examinations.
- Protest leader
- Devendra Nath Mahto
- Organisation
- Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM)
- Protest target
- Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha (state Assembly)
- Cause
- Irregularities in recruitment examinations
- Date
- Monday, August 10
- Hunger strike
- Nine days
- Weight lost during fast
- About 10.5 kg
- Chief Minister
- Hemant Soren