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New Delhi: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging him to personally meet students protesting alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations.

In his letter dated August 14, Gandhi said the students' protest has remained peaceful and their demands are legitimate. The agitation entered its 24th day on Monday, with several job aspirants continuing their sit-in protest in Ranchi.

Students Demand Probe Into Recruitment Exam Irregularities

A large number of candidates have been protesting against alleged irregularities in the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Civil Services Examination, Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination and other recruitment tests.

The protesters are demanding an independent investigation into the allegations, including a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a committee of retired High Court judges from outside the state.

Gandhi Backs Right to Peaceful Protest

Rahul Gandhi said the right to peaceful protest is a key part of India's democracy. He added that Congress has supported students raising concerns over paper leaks and irregularities in the education system.

While appreciating the Jharkhand government's decision to begin discussions with students, Gandhi said several concerns remain unresolved. He requested Hemant Soren to meet representatives of the protesting students to strengthen confidence in the government's efforts.

Protesters Had Questioned Gandhi's Support

Earlier, protesting students had urged Rahul Gandhi to withdraw support from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha-led coalition government if their concerns were not addressed. They claimed that although Gandhi had expressed support, no major action had followed.

The protesters, led by student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, have also announced a demonstration outside Hemant Soren's residence on August 20. They have accused the recruitment system of repeated failures and alleged that examination irregularities are affecting the future of deserving candidates.