New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi’s support for the ongoing agitation by Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) aspirants has sparked a sharp political exchange, with the BJP accusing the Congress of selectively backing student protests, while the Congress insisted that Gandhi has consistently raised the issue of examination irregularities and paper leaks.
BJP leaders questioned the timing of Gandhi’s intervention, arguing that the Congress, despite being part of the ruling coalition in Jharkhand, remained silent while students protested for nearly two weeks.
BJP Bihar President Sanjay Saraogi said Gandhi only took notice after the movement gained public attention. He questioned why Congress ministers in the Jharkhand government had not personally met the protesting students and argued that if Gandhi was genuinely concerned, he should press Chief Minister Hemant Soren to order a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Echoing the criticism, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo accused the Congress of adopting a “politics of convenience.” He claimed students had been seeking Gandhi’s support for almost two weeks and said a virtual message was not enough, adding that the protesters expected national leaders to visit them in person and stand alongside them.
Former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh welcomed Gandhi’s interaction with the students but remarked that it had come far too late, suggesting such support should have been extended much earlier.
Janata Dal (United) spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad also questioned the delay, saying students had been peacefully protesting for 14 days over alleged irregularities in recruitment and recruitment examinations. According to him, the protesters have repeatedly alleged that merit is being overlooked and deserving candidates are being denied fair opportunities.
The Congress, however, defended Gandhi’s stand and said the party remains committed to resolving the concerns of the protesting students.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said the Jharkhand government had already initiated dialogue by forming a committee comprising four ministers and student representatives, expressing hope that discussions would lead to a resolution.
Senior Congress leader Husain Dalwai also rejected the BJP’s criticism, saying Gandhi had been among the first national leaders to highlight issues such as paper leaks through the party’s nationwide ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ campaign. He maintained that Gandhi raises such issues irrespective of which party is in power and does not hesitate to question governments, including those supported by the Congress.
Meanwhile, student leader Devendra Nath Mahto welcomed support from all political parties, stressing that the movement is not driven by politics but by the concerns of students affected by alleged paper leaks and recruitment irregularities. He said students from every family are impacted and urged all political parties, regardless of ideology, to stand with the protesters.
With inputs from IANS