Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Rahul Gandhi Calls Force Against Jharkhand Protesting Students 'Wrong'
Some grown-up students in a part of India called Jharkhand were upset because they thought their government job exams were not fair.
They walked together toward the state assembly building to ask leaders to fix the exams.
Police stopped them using strong water sprays, smoke bombs, and sticks, and some students got hurt.
A big leader named Rahul Gandhi said it is wrong to hurt peaceful students and that talking is the right way to solve problems.
The state government cancelled some of the exams to help, but the students still want a full investigation of one of the exams.
The government also arrested a former exam official who the students blamed.
The students say they will keep protesting until things are fixed fairly.
Meanwhile, leaders of different political parties are arguing over who caused the trouble.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called the police use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand 'wrong' and urged the state government to hear them out and resolve their issues immediately.
Police in Ranchi used water cannons, tear gas shells and lathi charges after job aspirants breached multiple barricades while marching to the Jharkhand Assembly on the 17th day of the protest.
Protesters are demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the JSSC-CGL examination and comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC recruitment process.
The Jharkhand government cancelled the 14th JPSC preliminary examination and the 2023 and 2025 backlog exams, all three JPSC members resigned, and the state CID arrested former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte.
The BJP criticised Rahul Gandhi for his 'silence' on the protest in JMM-ruled Jharkhand, while Gandhi pressed Home Minister Amit Shah to explain police crackdowns on student protests in Delhi and Bihar.
- Who
- Students and job aspirants in Jharkhand protesting alleged exam irregularities; Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who condemned the police action; Chief Minister Hemant Soren's Jharkhand government and police in Ranchi; and JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who is on a nine-day fast.
- What
- Police used water cannons, tear gas and lathi charges against students marching to the Jharkhand Assembly to protest alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations, drawing Rahul Gandhi's condemnation and calls for dialogue.
- When
- Monday, August 10, on the 17th day of the protest; the march began around 10.30 am.
- Where
- Ranchi, Jharkhand, near the final barricade by Jagannathpur Temple on the road to the Jharkhand Assembly.
- Why
- Protesters want transparency, accountability and fairness in the recruitment process, including a CBI probe into JSSC-CGL exam irregularities, cancellation of the disputed exams and reforms in the JPSC and JSSC.
Critics of the Government's Handling
Jharkhand Government and Congress Allies
Police use of force
Critics of the Government's Handling
Using water cannons, tear gas and lathi charges against peacefully protesting students is wrong; students have a right to peaceful protest and only dialogue can yield solutions, Rahul Gandhi said.
Jharkhand Government and Congress Allies
Police said protesters broke through six rounds of barricading before coming close to the Assembly, which is in session; Congress minister Irfan Ansari said the government did not take harsh steps even after protesters broke four barricades and used only water cannons.
Handling of exam irregularities
Critics of the Government's Handling
Protesters demand a CBI probe and comprehensive JPSC/JSSC reforms and sought cancellation of 13 exams, but the government agreed to only three; JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto said the government is 'hell-bent on suppressing our voice.'
Jharkhand Government and Congress Allies
The government cancelled the 14th JPSC preliminary exam and the 2023/2025 backlog exams after six hours of talks, Chief Minister Hemant Soren assured complete transparency and justice, and the state CID arrested former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte.
Political blame over the protests
Critics of the Government's Handling
The BJP has repeatedly criticised Rahul Gandhi for his 'silence' on the student protests in JMM-ruled Jharkhand, which is ruled by an ally of Congress in the INDIA bloc.
Jharkhand Government and Congress Allies
Gandhi said there is 'no confusion' about the Congress position condemning violence against peaceful protesters and pressed Home Minister Amit Shah to explain police crackdowns on student protests in Delhi and Bihar; Congress minister Irfan Ansari blamed BJP 'antisocial elements' for provoking the crackdown, and Mallikarjun Kharge demanded responses on the Delhi police action, the theft probe in Ayodhya and an apology from Prime Minister Modi.
- Protest period
- 17th day of the agitation
- Police action
- Water cannons, tear gas shells and lathi charge near the final barricade by Jagannathpur Temple
- Key demand
- CBI probe into JSSC-CGL exam irregularities and comprehensive JPSC/JSSC reforms
- Exams cancelled
- 14th JPSC preliminary exam and backlog exams from 2023 and 2025
- Resignations
- All three members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission
- Arrest
- Former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte arrested by the state CID
- Talks
- Six hours of discussions; government agreed to cancel 3 of the 13 exams protesters sought
- Key figures
- CM Hemant Soren turned 51 on Monday; JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto on a 9-day fast; protesters carried a portrait of former CM Shibu Soren
Sources
Jharkhand Exam Row: 'Do Not Support, Condemn Any Violence Against Peacefully Protesting Students,' Says Rahul Gandhi | VIDEO
"Use Of Force Against Protesting Students In Jharkhand Wrong": Rahul Gandhi
'Use of force against students wrong': Rahul Gandhi calls on Jharkhand govt to resolve issues
Use of force against students protesting in Jharkhand wrong: Rahul