BJP slams Hemant Soren govt over exam scams as massive students’ protest erupts in Ranchi
Ranchi, August 3: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state chief spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo has criticized the Hemant Soren government over alleged irregularities and recruitment scams in competitive examinations in Jharkhand.
He alleged that the government’s six and a half years in office will be remembered for betraying the dreams of the youth, recruitment scams, and examination irregularities.
In a press conference held at the BJP state office on Monday, Pratul Shahdeo said that the BJP demands a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into all competitive examinations conducted during the Hemant Soren government’s tenure.
He said that the Chief Minister also holds the Education portfolio and should immediately resign, taking moral responsibility. Furthermore, all members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) should be removed and new appointments made in a transparent manner.
The BJP spokesperson alleged that the failure to arrest former JPSC Chairman L. Khiangte despite serious evidence emerging against him indicates that the investigating agency is only taking action against lower-level officials. Shahdev said that it is impossible to uncover the entire matter without rigorous questioning of top officials at the Commission.
Pratul Shahdeo alleged that the then Assistant Controller of Examinations, Shweta Gupta, was not formally relieved of her duties even after her transfer. He also said that former Chairman L. Khiangte single-handedly signed the exam results and allegedly selected a blacklisted agency.
The BJP leader said that according to the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (Procedure) Rules, 2002, and Articles 315, 316, and especially Article 320 of the Constitution, the role of private agencies can be limited to technical and support functions only. The conduct of examinations, maintaining the confidentiality of question papers, evaluation, preparation of merit lists, and final selection are the Commission’s constitutional obligations. Allowing a private agency to interfere in these functions is contrary to the constitutional framework.
He said that merely arresting a few employees will not resolve the matter, but rather that an impartial and comprehensive investigation of the entire episode is necessary.
Pratul Shahdeo also targeted the Congress party, saying that the party’s double standards have been exposed. He alleged that the Congress, which is active on youth issues in Delhi, is completely silent on alleged irregularities in competitive examinations in Jharkhand.
He demanded that the Congress party clarify its position on this issue, saying that its silence on serious matters concerning the future of the youth in the state raises many questions.
