Ranchi (Jharkhand), August 10:Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other political leaders on Monday extended birthday greetings to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, even as the state witnessed heightened political activity over protests by JPSC-JSSC aspirants.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Modi wished Soren a long life and good health. Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings, praying for the Jharkhand Chief Minister's good health and longevity.

DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also wished Soren, expressing hopes for his good health, happiness and continued success in serving the people of Jharkhand.

AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy were among others who conveyed birthday greetings to Soren. Reddy wished him good health and strength and said his leadership would continue to contribute to the progress, prosperity and welfare of Jharkhand.

The greetings came against the backdrop of an ongoing political standoff in Jharkhand over protests by JPSC-JSSC aspirants. The protesters are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and reforms in the state's recruitment process.

Earlier on Monday, Jharkhand Assembly Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and several BJP leaders were detained by state police during a protest outside the Chief Minister's residence over the issue.

"Students are continuing their protest, but the government is distracting people. JPSC-JSSC-CGL, all of these should be investigated by the CBI," Marandi said.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo urged Chief Minister Soren to address the demands of the protesting students and cautioned the government against using force.

"Today is Chief Minister Hemant Soren's birthday. The students and their parents have already given you a birthday gift by bringing you back to power. Today is the time for a return gift; you should fulfil the demands of the students," Deo said.

He also questioned the heavy security deployment during the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march, asking whether the government was attempting to create a "reign of terror". He stressed that the agitation was a students' protest and should not be given a political colour.

Meanwhile, Soren had on Sunday assured the protesting students that their grievances would be addressed transparently and that those responsible for any irregularities would face strict punishment.

"Our youth are staging protests and agitations to claim their rights. The youth will receive justice, and those responsible for the irregularities will face the severest possible punishment," Soren had said.

He also appealed to the students to resolve the matter through dialogue, maintaining that solutions to issues should be found through discussion rather than force.

Amid the protesters' demand for a CBI investigation into alleged examination irregularities, the Enforcement Directorate on Monday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the matter.