Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir, expresses solidarity with Jharkhand students protesting against alleged recruitment exam irregularities, criticizing opposition parties for their double standards.
Leh, India Aug 11, 2026 ALN: Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma on Tuesday expressed solidarity with students protesting in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities, corruption and paper leaks in recruitment examinations, and accused opposition parties of maintaining double standards on student issues.
The protests in Jharkhand have arisen in the wake of allegations that there were significant irregularities in the recruitment process for various government positions. Students have claimed that the examination process was marred by corruption, including the leaking of question papers and favoritism in the selection process. These allegations have sparked widespread unrest among students who feel that their future is being compromised due to these irregularities.
Addressing a press conference here, Sharma said the ongoing student agitation was a struggle for justice, transparency, and accountability. He reiterated his demand for an impartial probe, including by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), into the alleged irregularities. The call for a CBI investigation is significant, as it suggests a need for a neutral party to examine the claims and restore faith in the recruitment process.
Sharma was joined by BJP National Secretary and Jammu South MLA Narinder Singh, along with party spokespersons Vikram Malhotra and Zorawar Jamwal, who echoed his sentiments. Their collective presence underscores the BJP's commitment to addressing student concerns and highlights the importance of the issue within the party's broader political agenda.
Sharma noted that students had been raising their demands peacefully, within the ambit of law and the Constitution, and questioned the alleged use of force against them. Reports have emerged of police using lathicharge—an aggressive crowd control technique—against protesting students, which has drawn criticism from various quarters, including political leaders and civil rights activists.
"If students are raising their demands peacefully and within the ambit of law and the Constitution, why should they face lathicharge or harassment? Why is there silence on this issue today?" he asked. This rhetorical questioning highlights the perceived disconnect between governmental responses to student protests and the constitutional rights of citizens to assemble and express dissent.
Sharma alleged that opposition parties, which recently raised their voices over student-related issues, were now silent on the Jharkhand agitation. This accusation points to a broader narrative within Indian politics where political parties are often criticized for selective activism, particularly when it comes to issues affecting youth and students.
Sharma questioned whether recent protests by opposition leaders purportedly in support of students reflected genuine concern or were motivated by political interests. "Today, we want to ask all those parties where their morality is and where their voice has gone. A few days ago, you were raising slogans, protesting and making every effort to create instability in the country. Where has that voice gone today?" he said. This statement suggests a call for accountability among political leaders, urging them to maintain a consistent stance on student issues regardless of the political climate.
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Sharma accused the Congress and its allies of adopting a double standard on issues concerning students. He also referred to the Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party, and other opposition parties, urging the youth to expose what he described as their "double standards, double politics, and double character." This criticism reflects a growing frustration among some political factions regarding the inconsistency of opposition parties in addressing student grievances.
"The youth are the foundation of the country's future. They should not become a tool in the hands of political parties seeking to create instability or disorder," Sharma said. His emphasis on youth empowerment speaks to the broader societal recognition that young people play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation, and their concerns should be taken seriously.
He appealed to the younger generation not to fall prey to attempts to politicize genuine grievances and urged students to continue raising their concerns through peaceful and constitutional means. This call for peaceful protest serves as a reminder of the importance of civil discourse in democratic societies, particularly when addressing contentious issues.
Sharma said the BJP stood in solidarity with the Jharkhand students "fighting for justice" and reiterated that allegations of recruitment examination irregularities should be investigated through a credible, impartial, and time-bound mechanism. This statement aligns with the BJP's broader narrative of advocating for transparency and accountability in governance, particularly in recruitment processes that impact the livelihoods of many young individuals.
He also criticized the Congress leadership in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the party had previously been vocal on student protests and alleged harassment but was now silent on the Jharkhand issue. "From Jammu and Kashmir, I want to ask the Congress party here why its voice has gone silent today. Until recently, its leaders were coming out in support of protests and raising their voice over alleged harassment of students," he said. This observation underscores the perception of hypocrisy among political leaders and raises questions about the motivations behind their public statements and actions.
Sharma alleged that certain political forces were attempting to create an atmosphere of instability and disorder in the country and claimed that the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir had often remained at the forefront of such political campaigns. This assertion reflects a broader concern within the BJP regarding the potential for political unrest to undermine stability and governance in the region.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were entitled to question the local Congress leadership over its stand on the Jharkhand students' agitation. This call for accountability emphasizes the need for political leaders to remain responsive to the issues affecting their constituents, particularly in a region that has historically faced its own unique challenges.
Sharma reiterated that recruitment examinations must be conducted fairly and transparently and that students' legitimate grievances should be addressed through dialogue and due process rather than coercive measures. This statement encapsulates the essence of the ongoing protests in Jharkhand while also reflecting a broader demand for reform in recruitment processes across the country, ensuring that they are free from corruption and bias.
The ongoing situation in Jharkhand serves as a reminder of the critical role that youth activism plays in shaping policies and holding political leaders accountable. As students continue to mobilize for their rights, the implications of these protests extend beyond the immediate context, potentially influencing future recruitment processes and the broader political landscape in India.
In conclusion, Sunil Sharma's remarks highlight the intersection of youth activism, political accountability, and the need for transparent governance in India. The ongoing protests in Jharkhand are emblematic of a larger struggle for justice and fairness in recruitment processes, and the political responses to these protests will likely shape the discourse around student issues in the coming months. As the situation unfolds, it will be essential for all political parties to engage constructively with the concerns of students and work towards ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.
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