India news: Rahul Gandhi backs student protests in Maharashtra

India's main opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed solidarity with students protesting in Maharashtra over alleged irregularities in a state-level recruitment examination. Thousands of students are demonstrating peacefully, demanding justice and action from the government. Gandhi called on authorities to address the protesters' concerns, warning that their discontent would intensify until it is resolved.

The Maharashtra government has initiated an investigation into a suspected paper leak in the Maharashtra Public Service Commission's Food and Drug Administration examination for Drug Inspector posts, which took place on March 22. The recruitment process was halted after complaints that some candidates received the question paper beforehand, leading to the cancellation of the process and a subsequent police inquiry.

The state government has formed a high-level committee to review the entire recruitment exam system and enhance transparency, security, reliability, and candidate-friendliness. Additionally, tribal students in Maharashtra protested poor conditions in student hostels, safety, and the reservation of 12,500 vacant posts for tribal communities.

Their demands were met by the government, and the hunger strike was called off. Gandhi also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Maharashtra, accusing it of tormenting students through various issues such as paper leaks, delayed recruitments, expensive education, and inhumane hostel conditions.