Rahul Gandhi asks Hemant Soren to meet students protesting recruitment exam issues

New Delhi, August 17, 2026; Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to meet students who have been protesting over alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, saying direct engagement could help restore confidence among the protesters.

In a letter sent to Soren on August 14 and made public on Monday, Gandhi said the students’ agitation had remained peaceful and described their concerns as legitimate. He suggested that a personal meeting with the protesting students could demonstrate the state government’s willingness to address the issues raised by them.

The agitation, centred on alleged discrepancies in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, has continued for 24 days. Students have also been observing a hunger strike as part of their campaign.

Gandhi’s intervention comes as the Jharkhand government prepares for another round of discussions with representatives of the protesting students. The fourth meeting between the two sides is scheduled for Monday as efforts continue to find a resolution.

The Congress is part of the ruling alliance headed by the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in the state. Gandhi’s appeal places emphasis on dialogue and direct communication with the students amid the continuing deadlock over their demands.