Student Leader Ends 23-Day Hunger Strike After CM Announces Cancellation of JSSC-CGL Exam

After 23 days of protests, student leader Devendra Nath Mahato has ended his hunger strike at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi on Monday night. The decision came hours after Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination and all exams conducted

The protest, which began on July 2, was called off in the presence of state ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari. Mahato broke his fast with juice, and his health team confirmed that he was in stable condition.

CM Soren had announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam and ordered a CBI probe into exam irregularities earlier on Monday. The decision is expected to be formally taken soon.

The Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, BJP, has backed the protesters' demand for a CBI probe. Former CM Babulal Marandi urged CM Soren to accept the students' remaining demands.

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Student leader Mahato hailed the decision as a victory for student activism and said it showed that collective action can bring about change. He also called for systemic reforms to prevent paper leaks and recruitment malpractices in Jharkhand's recruitment systems.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk congratulated Mahato and the other protesting students, saying he was relieved Mahato thanked CM Soren and the government for the decision and expressed hope that the public and government could work together to address remaining shortcomings.

Student leader Umme Habiba also urged the government to withdraw all legal action against students involved in the protests and ensure their right to peaceful protest is protected. She sought the reinstatement of Santosh Mastana, who was removed from his post earlier.

The student-led protest has raised concerns over Jharkhand's recruitment systems and exams. Mahato said the movement would continue until reforms are implemented.