The Congress party organised a students' marathon in Ranchi on 12 July 2026 to protest against recurring exam paper leaks in Jharkhand. The event, flagged off from Bapu Vatika, saw participation from party leaders and student activists, including the Congress student wing NSUI's in-charge Kanhaiya Kumar.
Marathon Details and Participants
The marathon, titled 'Students' Marathon Against Paper Leaks', was organised by the Jharkhand Congress unit. It started at Bapu Vatika and covered key routes in the city. Hundreds of students, along with local Congress leaders, joined the run to demand stricter action against those responsible for exam paper leaks that have plagued state examinations.
Kanhaiya Kumar, addressing the gathering before the flag-off, emphasised the need for a transparent education system. According to Kumar, the marathon symbolised the collective resolve of students to fight against corruption in the examination process.
Context of Protests
The protest comes in the wake of multiple exam paper leak incidents in Jharkhand, including the recent leak of the Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) class 10 and 12 question papers. Students have been demanding a high-level inquiry and stricter laws to prevent future breaches. The Congress party has been vocal in criticising the state government over its handling of the issue.
Local Congress leaders stated that the marathon was intended to draw attention to the plight of students whose careers are jeopardised by such leaks. They urged the government to implement technological solutions like encrypted paper delivery and CCTV monitoring in exam centres.
Political Reactions
The event also saw participation from several opposition leaders, who accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led government of failing to protect students' interests. The protest is part of a series of agitations planned by the Congress student wing across the state.
As reported by PTI, the marathon concluded peacefully, with participants submitting a memorandum to the district administration demanding immediate action. The Congress has announced further protests if their demands are not met.
