Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren government over alleged irregularities in the JPSC (Jharkhand Public Service Commission) and JSSC (Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission) examinations. Terming the government’s decision to cancel the exams as a conspiracy, he said that merely cancelling the examinations will not solve the issue. Marandi demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the entire matter, stating that only a CBI inquiry can uncover the truth behind the examination irregularities, the buying and selling of jobs, and the individuals involved in the alleged conspiracy.
Babulal Marandi stated that the BJP has made it clear from the beginning that cancelling examinations is not a solution. He claimed the government is trying to pat itself on the back by deciding to cancel the exams, whereas the real demand of the students is an impartial investigation into the matter. He added that media reports have brought forward serious allegations of irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC examinations.
The Leader of the Opposition also raised questions regarding the CID (Crime Investigation Department) investigation. He alleged that the CID had previously investigated these cases and submitted a report to the court denying any irregularities in the exams or the sale of jobs. Marandi further alleged that no action has been taken so far against the officers who misdirected the investigation. Under such circumstances, expecting justice for students through a re-investigation by the same agency is minimal.
Raising questions over the government’s strategy, Babulal Marandi said that candidates who secured jobs might approach the court. In such a scenario, the government will have to present the grounds and evidence supporting the cancellation of the exams in court. Marandi claimed that if the evidence is based on the CID’s previous investigation, the government’s decision could face legal challenges in court. He alleged that the government was preparing for such a situation in advance so that it could later evade responsibility by citing a court ruling.
Marandi further alleged that the Hemant Soren government is misleading students. He stated that the decision to cancel the exams was taken after a deliberate cabinet meeting, aiming not to provide a permanent solution to the students’ demands, but rather to suppress and end the agitation.
Citing controversies surrounding several examinations conducted by the JSSC, Marandi questioned why no action was being taken against the commission’s chairman despite continuous disputes. He alleged that the government is attempting to protect corrupt officials and middlemen involved in the examinations.
Questioning Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s intentions, Marandi alleged that the government wants the matter to reach the High Court and obtain a stay on the decision to cancel the exams. Following a stay, the government could claim that it took the decision to cancel the exams, but cannot proceed due to the court’s stay order. Marandi termed this a betrayal of the students.
Marandi also accused Rahul Gandhi of putting up a mere show regarding the entire issue, noting that the Congress party is a coalition partner in the Jharkhand government. He stated that if the government truly wants to deliver justice to the students, it should hand over the investigation of the entire case to the CBI without delay.
