Despite assurances from ministers and MLAs, the date for the Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) 2024 mains exam remains unchanged. With admit cards released on Saturday, a wave of student protests has erupted at Rajasthan University in Jaipur. Over 32 students participating in the indefinite hunger strike have fallen ill, and 24 have been hospitalized.

Government Assurances Ignored

Students claim they have been seeking a postponement of the exam since May. They met with several BJP leaders, including state ministers. On June 10, BJP state president Madan Rathore visited protestors and assured them the exam would be postponed by at least three months. However, the release of admit cards on June 15 has sparked outrage.

CM Office Meeting Likely

Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena will reportedly escort a five-member student delegation to the Chief Minister’s Office for further discussions regarding postponement.

Simultaneous RAS-2023 Interviews Add Pressure

One of the major concerns is that many students are also appearing for the RAS-2023 interview stage. With the RAS-2024 exam scheduled for June 17–18, students say they cannot adequately prepare for both.

Political Support Grows

The student agitation has gained wide political backing. Senior Congress leaders Ashok Gehlot, Sachin Pilot, Govind Singh Dotasra, and RLP MP Hanuman Beniwal have publicly supported the demand for exam postponement.

Betrayal Allegations Against BJP President

Protest leader Abhishek accused BJP state president Madan Rathore of betraying student trust. “He broke our hunger strike at Amar Jawan Jyoti, promising a postponement. If that was false, he has dishonored the sanctity of Amar Jawan Jyoti,” said Abhishek.