Jharkhand bandh on August 11: BJP calls statewide shutdown in support of JPSC-JSSC protest
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 10: The BJP has called for a statewide on August 11 in support of the ongoing…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 10: The BJP has called for a statewide on August 11 in support of the ongoing student agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, accusing the Hemant Soren government of ignoring the protesters’ demands and using force to suppress their movement.
Announcing the shutdown at a press conference on Monday, BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi, said the party would take to the streets in support of the protesting students and press for a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in various competitive examinations conducted in the state.
BJP Backs Students’ Demand for CBI Probe
The BJP alleged that controversies surrounding competitive examinations have persisted in Jharkhand for several years, with students repeatedly raising concerns over paper leaks and other alleged irregularities.
Party leaders said students have been protesting for several days at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium complex, demanding cancellation of examinations they consider controversial and a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities.
The BJP claimed that students have lost faith in the state’s investigating agencies and argued that an independent CBI investigation is necessary to ensure credibility and accountability.
BJP Condemns Police Action
The BJP also criticised the police action during the students’ agitation, alleging that protesters were subjected to tear gas, water cannons and lathi-charge.
Party leaders claimed that several students were injured during the crackdown and alleged that police personnel also dismantled tents put up by the protesters at the protest site.
The BJP accused the government of attempting to suppress the students’ movement instead of addressing their grievances through dialogue.
JPSC, JSSC, CGL and Other Exams Under Scanner
The BJP raised questions over several recruitment examinations, alleging irregularities in processes conducted by the JPSC and JSSC.
Party leaders also referred to alleged controversies surrounding CGL, Assistant Teacher, PGT and Excise Constable recruitment examinations. They further cited arrests made in connection with the 14th JPSC Preliminary Test case while reiterating their demand for a comprehensive investigation.
The party maintained that the scope of the CBI probe should cover all recruitment examinations where allegations of irregularities have surfaced.
BJP Targets Congress and Rahul Gandhi
The BJP also targeted the Congress and Rahul Gandhi over their response to the student agitation in Jharkhand.
Party leaders argued that while the Congress raises student-related issues in other states, it has remained silent on the demands of protesting students in Jharkhand.
The BJP urged the Congress to support the students’ demand for a CBI inquiry and put pressure on the state government to address the issue.
Bandh From 8 AM, Essential Services Exempt
According to the BJP, the Jharkhand Bandh will begin at 8 am on August 11 and continue until late at night.
The party said health services would remain exempt from the shutdown. Kanwariyas travelling to religious destinations, including Deoghar, will also be exempted.
BJP leaders appealed to people to support the bandh and said the party would stand with the students until their demands are addressed.
The party also urged the state government to resume dialogue with the protesting students and find a solution to the recruitment examination controversy.
The BJP warned that if students were subjected to further police action, it would intensify its opposition and continue its agitation against the government.
The bandh announcement comes amid an escalating confrontation between the government and student groups, with recruitment examinations, alleged paper leaks and demands for a CBI probe emerging as major political flashpoints in Jharkhand.
