Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged recruitment exam irregularities in Jharkhand, drank water on Wednesday after an appeal from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk during a video call. While accepting Wangchuk's request, Mahto said he would continue his fast, consuming only water and salt until the state government responds to the protesters' demands.
Wangchuk urges Mahto to take water
Wangchuk spoke to Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2 at Ranchi's Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. During the conversation, Mahto described his deteriorating health and the prolonged nature of the agitation.
He told Wangchuk, "...We have been on Satyagraha since July 25. I sat on an indefinite hunger strike on August 2. I was extremely exhausted; it was a critical time. My mother is also tired of this protest. Papers have been leaking here (Jharkhand) for 26 years...Yesterday, the doctor warned that if I didn't take water, I would have to be admitted to the hospital."
Expressing concern, Wangchuk urged him not to stop drinking water.
"You need some time, but it could 2-3 weeks as well, and I hope that the government will understand and make the right decision," Wangchuk said, adding that giving up water during a hunger strike was "this is tantamount to suicide".
Following the call, Mahto drank water and later told reporters that he would continue the protest while consuming only water and salt.
Protest over recruitment exam irregularities
The agitation in Ranchi has gathered momentum over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The protesters are demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, alleging that the state government is attempting to "whitewash" the issue by handing the investigation to the CID. They have also raised concerns over the role of private agency TDPL.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has said his government is examining the concerns raised by the aspirants and that an appropriate decision will be taken after reviewing their demands.
Meanwhile, the CID has arrested 14 people in connection with the case, questioned former JPSC chairman L Khiangte and carried out raids across multiple districts.
CJP extends support
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has also announced support for the Ranchi protest.
Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, said, "We will definitely go to Jharkhand, we will stand with them and support their every demand in the agitation."
The development comes weeks after Wangchuk ended his own hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar following assurances from the Centre regarding the demands raised during the nationwide students' movement.