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In a letter dated August 17, Gandhi emphasized that such a meeting would “help reinforce the government’s commitment to resolve their remaining concerns.” He reiterated that the Congress party views the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, as a fundamental democratic principle.“We have, therefore, offered our full support to students protesting paper leaks and irregularities in the education system over the last few months,” Gandhi wrote. He added that, in his view, “the Indian education system has been captured by the RSS and BJP and transformed into a tool for the exploitation and oppression of students. It is no longer the robust knowledge system that it used to be a decade ago.”

Gandhi acknowledged the ongoing peaceful protests in Jharkhand against irregularities in the State recruitment examinations. He noted that the Jharkhand government had initiated dialogue through a committee formed by the Chief Minister and that there was agreement on several demands raised by the students. However, Gandhi pointed out that the protests continue and highlighted that some students remain on an indefinite hunger strike.

“The youth of India is its future. We owe them our solidarity and support at this moment of crisis. Please do your utmost to hear them out and take appropriate action towards the resolution of this issue,” he urged.

The student protest at Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi entered its 24th consecutive day on August 17. The demonstration opposes alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

Jharkhand student leader Devendra Nath Mahato expressed “hope and faith” ahead of fresh talks with the state government. He stated that if the government fails to meet the students’ expectations, “the struggle will continue.”

Regarding the government’s invitation to talks and its decision to allow students to bring legal experts, Mahato said he hoped the discussions would secure a fair education and examination system for future generations.

“There is hope and faith. But if the government fails to live up to it, the struggle will continue. I hope the talks satisfy the students, and we want an education system to emerge—a system that for generations to come, for those currently in 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade, or in school, or in +2, when those students face competitive exams, they shouldn’t have to face such struggles,” he said.

Mahato also confirmed that proposed protests on August 20, including a gherao of the Chief Minister’s residence and the Vidhan Sabha, would proceed as scheduled if the talks did not yield a satisfactory outcome.