'CJP stands with students': Abhijeet Dipke backs Jharkhand protest

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder, Abhijeet Dipke, has voiced support for protesting students in Jharkhand who are demanding action over alleged irregularities in various recruitment exams. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Dipke affirmed, "The CJP stands with all the students in Jharkhand and supports their demands." Furthermore, an additional statement was made via X, reiterating the party's solidarity with the protesting students.

This solidarity comes as hundreds of students continue their protest in Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, on the fifth day of the demonstration. They are seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged malpractices in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL, and other recruitment tests. These students have been engaged in an indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since July 29, demanding reforms in the recruitment process and accountability for those responsible for the alleged discrepancies.

Students have been vocal in their dissent, raising slogans such as "Order CBI probe in JPSC," "Long live Students Unity," and "Shame on Hemant Soren." The ongoing issue of paper leaks, particularly in the OMR sheets of candidates, has only fueled their discontent. Criticizing Chief Minister Hemant Soren's decision to order a CID probe, one aspirant, Rahul Kumar Kranti, expressed dissatisfaction and called for a more extensive investigation by central agencies.

Kranti further alleged that previous probes into the JSSC-CGL paper leak had failed to yield any results, and he questioned the current investigation's ability to remain untainted.

The protesters are adamant in their demands for the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test held on April 19 and for an independent probe by central authorities, including the CBI and Enforcement Directorate, into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams conducted by the JPSC and JSSC. They also seek the introduction of a "not attempted" option in OMR sheets, a demand that holds significant importance for the careers of thousands of students and aspirants whose futures are at stake due to corruption within these agencies.

In addition to their sit-in, the protesters organized a torchlight procession in Ranchi, marching towards Albert Ekka Chowk to air their grievances against the JMM-led alliance government. They warned that unless their concerns are addressed, they plan to stage a gherao at the Jharkhand Assembly in the coming days. The students maintain that despite their prolonged protests, no government officials have approached them to listen to their concerns, which they interpret as a sign of insensitivity from the JMM-led alliance towards the state's students and youths.