The student agitation over alleged paper leaks and recruitment irregularities in the JPSC and JSSC exams is gaining momentum in Jharkhand. Its leader, Devendra Nath Mahto, has dismissed reports that he has called off his hunger strike.

In this interview, Mahto says he drank water only after Sonam Wangchuk urged him to, but insists his indefinite fast continues. Rejecting government committees and assurances, he says he wants direct talks with Chief Minister Hemant Soren and will not end the protest until the students' demands are met.

Mahto also announces a march to the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly on August 10 and warns that if the government fails to respond, the student movement will escalate into a much larger public agitation.

Watch the full interview with Devendra Nath Mahto.

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