JPSC-JSSC Exam Row: BJP Calls Jharkhand Bandh After Police Action Against Protesting Students

Ranchi: Student protests in Jharkhand's capital city Ranchi, against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations is expanding. BJP has called for a state-wide strike today in wake of their condemnation of the action taken by the police against the protesting students demanding reforms in the recruitment exam. High alert is declared in Ranchi in anticipation of the strike and schools are also closed.

What did the BJP say?

The state unit of the BJP has called for a Jharkhand bandh today. Security has been beefed up in Ranchi in response. There are CCTV cameras installed at various places to manage any anti-social factors. Drone cameras will also be used for surveillance. The bandh began at 8 am and was scheduled to continue until midnight, with essential services excluded.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said it is taking the streets in support of the students' protest and will put pressure on the government to respond to their demands, including an investigation into alleged irregularities in the recruitment exams. The strike has spooked up security in the state. More police officers have been deployed in the capital and numerous private schools have also declared a holiday as a result of the strike.

About the protest, Pratul said that today's “Jharkhand Bandh” will be historic. The Jharkhand Bandhis being called in protest against the lathi charges against students peacefully protesting outside the Assembly. The students' demands must be met, he said. The Hemant government should direct a CBI investigation. He further added that essential services like Kanwariyas will not be affected by the bandh.

What about the protest?

The shutdown will be effective from 8 am to midnight on Tuesday, earlier state BJP President Aditya Sahu said while announcing at the party's headquarters in the Jharkhand capital, Ranchi on Monday. He said, "This will be a statewide shutdown, but all essential services have been exempted from the shutdown.

What happen during 'Assembly Gherao' protest?

There were several confrontations between the protesting students and police during Monday’s assembly protest. As per reports by the officials, Monday's clash near the Jharkhand Assembly left some of the protesters and four policemen injured. Police used water cannon, tear gas, and lathicharge to disperse the protesting students. The violence broke out after the protesters crossed the barricades that were put up near the Jharkhand Assembly.

Jharkhand's recruitment exam controversy has been raging for the 18th straight day.