Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday reacted to the agitation for the first time, stating that the government stands with the youth and that they would get justice. (ANI screengrab)As the students’ protest over alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) examination entered its 11th day, Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Tuesday reacted to the agitation for the first time, stating that the government stands with the youth and that they would get justice.Speaking to reporters in Ramgarh while attending the first death anniversary of his father, Shibu Soren, the CM said, “Whatever is required for the youth, within the framework of the Constitution and the law, the government stands with them. They will get justice.”He said, “The government is sensitive to the issue. We are looking into the matter with utmost seriousness. I cannot literally tear open my chest and show you that, but that is the reality. One thing is certain: Whenever we take up an issue, our objective is to resolve it properly before considering the matter closed.”He said, “The investigation agency has been working day and night on this case. We are waiting for its report, its findings, and the outcome of the probe. Very soon, we will inform the students as well as the people of the state about the developments in this matter.”Meanwhile, as the protest at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium continued for the 11th consecutive day, more students and aspirants from different districts joined the agitation. Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Mahato, who has extended support to the students, has been on a hunger strike for the past two days over the issue.#WATCH | Ramgarh, Jharkhand: On the student’s protest, CM Hemant Soren says, “I have said this before as well, the government has eyes, ears, it is sensitive to the issue…the way the investigation team is working day and night, we are waiting for its answer, and a… pic.twitter.com/ISCNIL0R6B— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2026 The controversy began after the declaration of the preliminary examination results of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Examination. Aspirants alleged several irregularities, including the commission’s failure to release category-wise cut-off marks and the publication of a merit list without the signatures of JPSC’s constitutional members. The issue intensified after the alleged OMR sheet of a candidate circulated on social media, with students claiming that the candidate was declared qualified despite securing marks lower than the expected cut-off.The Jharkhand government directed the CID to investigate the matter. Since then, former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte has resigned from his post while the CID has carried out raids in Ranchi, Palamu and Hazaribagh, making multiple arrests.Story continues below this adFollowing the controversy, students launched an indefinite protest in the state capital, demanding a fair probe, involvement of a central agency (CBI) in the investigation, and action against those responsible for the irregularities.The protest has also received support from various political and student organisations. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke addressed the protesting students through a video call, assuring them of his support for the agitation. Meanwhile, All India Students’ Association (AISA) leader Neha Bora is scheduled to reach Ranchi to join the students’ march to the Jharkhand Assembly on August 7.Shubham Tigga is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, presently based in Pune, where he covers the intersections of infrastructure, labor, and the modern economy. His reporting focuses on civil aviation, urban mobility, the gig economy, and workers' unions, providing critical insights into how transit and commercial sectors impact the daily lives of citizens. Expertise & Background Before moving to Pune, he reported extensively from his home state of Chhattisgarh, where he focused on Indigenous (Adivasi) issues, environmental justice, and grassroots struggles in mainland India. This experience gives him a unique lens through which he analyzes the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities. Academic Foundation He is an alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and ethical journalism. His academic training, combined with his field experience in Central India, allows him to navigate complex socio-economic landscapes with nuance and accuracy. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More Tags:Hemant Soren