Rahul Gandhi Urges Soren to Meet Protesting Students

New Delhi, August 17, 2026 The ongoing protest by students over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations has drawn the attention of Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. With the agitation continuing for 24 days and some students on an indefinite hunger strike, Gandhi has urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to personally engage with the protesters and address their pending concerns. In a letter dated August 14, Gandhi said the protests had remained “peaceful, and their demands are legitimate”. He reiterated the Congress party’s position that the constitutional right to peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of Indian democracy. He also said the party had extended its full support to students protesting paper leaks and irregularities in the education system in recent months. Gandhi welcomed the Jharkhand government’s decision to begin discussions with the students and “appreciated” the dialogue that had already started. He said there appeared to be agreement on several of the demands raised by the protesters. However, noting that the demonstrations were continuing and some students remained on an indefinite hunger strike, he suggested that Soren personally meet representatives of the protesting students. According to Gandhi, such a meeting could help “reinforce the government's commitment to resolve their remaining concerns”. His appeal highlights the need for continued dialogue as the Jharkhand government faces pressure to address the students’ unresolved grievances and bring the prolonged protest to a resolution.