Jharkhand student stir: BJP backs protesters, INDIA bloc demands crackdown on ‘anarchic’ elements
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, September 3: The student agitation in Jharkhand has triggered a sharp political face-off, with the BJP seeking…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, September 3: The student agitation in Jharkhand has triggered a sharp political face-off, with the BJP seeking withdrawal of FIRs against protesting students and the ruling INDIA bloc demanding strict action against those allegedly using the movement to create disorder.
A BJP delegation met Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar on Wednesday and sought withdrawal of the FIRs, citing the Supreme Court’s order concerning peaceful protests at designated places such as Jantar Mantar. The party has also set a 48-hour deadline for the government and warned of agitation if its demand is not met.
A day later, an INDIA bloc delegation comprising JMM, Congress and RJD leaders met the Chief Secretary and presented its assessment of the student agitation. The leaders said students’ democratic rights and genuine grievances must be respected, but those using the protest as a cover for unlawful activities should face legal action.
JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey said students and those allegedly involved in creating disorder should not be viewed through the same lens.
The delegation handed over video footage to the Chief Secretary and sought identification of individuals allegedly involved in provoking violence or vitiating the atmosphere. Pandey said action should be based on evidence, while innocent students must not be harassed.
He maintained that even if a student is found involved in unlawful activities, student identity should not shield the person from legal action once guilt is established.
ALSO READ: Babulal Marandi seeks cancellation of RINPAS director recruitment advertisement
Pandey targets BJP
Pandey accused the BJP of attempting to aggravate the situation by using the student movement for political purposes. He alleged that instead of helping resolve students’ genuine concerns, Opposition leaders were seeking to turn the agitation into an instrument to discredit the government.
The JMM leader said the government remained committed to addressing legitimate student grievances but would not tolerate attempts to disturb law and order under the cover of the agitation.
INDIA bloc seeks faster CID probe
The delegation also urged the government to expedite the CID investigation into examination-related matters, particularly the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination.
Congress leader and former state president Rajesh Thakur called for action within 48 hours against those allegedly responsible for creating disorder during the agitation. He said delay in acting against those found guilty could embolden such elements.
The leaders said investigations into examination-related cases were already underway, including arrests and questioning of accused persons, and urged the authorities to speed up action in other pending matters.
Political battle widens
The developments have exposed a clear divide between the two sides. While the BJP has sought relief for students facing FIRs and threatened agitation, the INDIA bloc has pressed the government to distinguish genuine protesters from those allegedly involved in disorder.
The ruling alliance said protecting students’ interests and resolving their genuine grievances remained a priority, but maintained that democratic protest could not be used as a shield for unlawful activities.
The delegation that met the Chief Secretary included JMM general secretary Vinod Kumar Pandey, MLAs Vikas Munda, M.T. Raja and Sudip Gudiya; Congress state president Keshav Mahto Kamlesh, MLAs Rajesh Kachhap, Suresh Baitha and Mamta Devi, and former state president Rajesh Thakur; besides RJD leaders Manoj Pandey and Abid Ali.
