Opposition Demands CBI Probe into Recruitment Row as Jharkhand Assembly Erupts Over Student Protests

Ranchi: The second day of the Jharkhand Assembly’s Monsoon Session witnessed high drama on Thursday as the ongoing student protests over alleged recruitment irregularities dominated proceedings, forcing the House to be adjourned till 12:30 p.m.

As soon as the session began, Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi launched a sharp attack on the state government, describing the student issue as the most pressing concern before the state. He alleged that recruitment examinations conducted by the JPSC and JSSC over the past six years had been marred by large-scale irregularities and claimed that the alleged sale of government jobs could not be fairly investigated by the CID.

Marandi demanded a CBI probe into the entire recruitment controversy under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge, arguing that only an independent investigation could restore the confidence of students.

Responding to the demand, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radhakrishna Kishore reminded the House that the Business Advisory Committee had already decided that members would be allowed to raise the issue during the discussion on the first supplementary budget.

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Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Yadav urged the government to initiate talks with the protesting students without delay, saying a dialogue was in the best interest of the youth and would likely receive support from all political parties.

However, the debate soon turned heated after Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu questioned the effectiveness of previous CBI investigations into earlier JPSC-related matters. He also challenged Marandi to clarify whether he would ask relatives allegedly appointed through irregular means to resign.

The exchange triggered loud protests in the Assembly, with opposition legislators rushing into the Well of the House and raising slogans. Amid the uproar, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings until 12:30 p.m.