Protests led by candidate students in Ranchi, Jharkhand, have intensified over allegations of severe irregularities and paper leaks in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The demonstrating aspirants are demanding the complete cancellation of the affected examinations alongside strict legal accountability for everyone involved in the recruitment fraud. While the state government headed by Chief Minister Hemant Soren maintains that several key suspects connected to the exam irregularities have already been arrested, the protesting students remain unsatisfied with mere official claims. As efforts to broker a dialogue between state authorities and student representatives continue, Mohammad Junaid, who gained prominence for distributing biryani and meals during the NEET-UG paper leak demonstrations at Delhi's historic Jantar Mantar, has arrived in Ranchi to extend his support.
Extending Support to Demonstrating Aspirants in Ranchi
Popularly recognized as 'Biryani Waale Junaid' during the Delhi demonstrations, Mohammad Junaid reached the protest venue in Ranchi to express solidarity with the young candidates fighting for exam transparency. He stated that just as he provided meals and essential supplies to candidates protesting against the NEET exam in New Delhi, he has brought whatever support he could arrange for the agitating students in Jharkhand. Junaid emphasized that his presence is not driven by opposition to any political party or any government in power, but rather aimed strictly against systemic flaws and administrative loopholes. He added that if feeding hungry students who are standing up for their rights is viewed as a crime, he will willingly continue committing such an act in the future.
Addressing Funding and Pending Legal Matters
When asked about past actions taken against him by authorities, Junaid exercised caution, explaining that because a related matter remains pending before the Supreme Court, he would refrain from commenting on sub-judice issues. He reiterated that his sole intention in visiting Ranchi is to boost the morale of the protesting students and assist them on humanitarian grounds. Addressing questions surrounding the funding of his relief efforts, Junaid clarified that public citizens voluntarily contribute resources, which are then used directly to prepare and serve food for the demonstrating candidates.
Background of the 49-Day Jantar Mantar Agitation
During the 49-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi organized around the NEET-UG issue under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Mohammad Junaid was initially not a public speaker on stage. Instead, he worked quietly behind the scenes to manage logistically critical tasks, including supplying drinking water, meals, and essential daily items for the demonstrators. As the agitation gathered momentum over its 49-day duration, Junaid—affectionately called 'Junaid Bhai' among participants—emerged as one of the most visible figures of the movement, particularly after alleging that his family in Uttar Pradesh had been targeted due to his active involvement. The 49-day Jantar Mantar protest eventually concluded after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan provided assurances regarding CJP's core demands, cementing Junaid's logistical contribution as a notable chapter of that national movement.
