CM attacks opposition, pledges expert review of exam process

In a session marked by vocal protests, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemanth Soren publicly criticised opposition leaders for what he described as “political theatrics” that exploit the ongoing student agitation over JPSC‑JSSC examinations. He asserted that the government is ready to scrap the 14th JPSC preliminary and the backlog examinations.

Soren announced that a panel of specialists from the Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Institutes of Management will be consulted to overhaul the entire examination mechanism, aiming for greater transparency and robustness.

He singled out the opposition for allegedly masquerading as student advocates while pursuing personal political agendas. “They wear the garb of a student, but underneath they chase partisan goals,” he said, adding that the opposition is playing with the future of Jharkhand’s youth.

Members of the opposition responded with a series of slogans, creating a chaotic environment inside the house. The chief minister rebuked them, stating that their actions “tear at the dignity of the legislature,” even as they claim to protect democratic values.

The CM raised concerns about the testing agency TDPL, pointing out its association with Uttar Pradesh and previous links with Bihar, and alleged that such agencies have been used to compromise the prospects of Jharkhand’s candidates.

He reaffirmed that the government will not shy away from investigating all complaints related to the contested examinations. The administration plans to draw upon technical guidance from leading academic institutions to ensure a fair, secure, and transparent recruitment process.

Soren also reflected on the recent assembly encirclement, noting that police and administrative officials exercised restraint, but that security restrictions around constitutional bodies remain necessary. Protesters nonetheless approached the assembly complex.

Closing his address, the chief minister warned that the opposition’s attempts to stall the inquiry will not impede the government’s mission to resolve student issues and implement meaningful reforms.