Normal life was affected in several parts of Jharkhand on Tuesday as the BJP enforced a statewide bandh to protest police action against job aspirants in Ranchi. The shutdown was called after a tense confrontation between protesting students and police near the Jharkhand Assembly on Monday.
The protesters, largely aspirants preparing for recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. They had marched towards the Assembly to press their demands when the situation escalated.
Police used water cannons, tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters after barricades were breached. Several students were reportedly injured in the action, intensifying anger among the aspirants and opposition parties.
The BJP accused the Hemant Soren government of using excessive force against unemployed youth and demanded accountability for the police action. The party also backed the students' demand for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.
Following the call for a bandh, BJP workers and supporters were seen blocking roads and stopping vehicles at several locations. Reports from Ranchi said tyres were burnt and traffic movement was disrupted in some areas. Shops and commercial establishments in affected localities remained closed, while public transport services were also impacted.
The impact, however, was not uniform across the state. While several areas witnessed disruptions, normal activities continued in other parts amid heavy security deployment. Police and district administrations were put on alert to prevent violence and maintain law and order.
The controversy has also moved beyond the streets. The Enforcement Directorate has begun a money-laundering investigation linked to the recruitment controversy, while a former JPSC chairperson has reportedly been arrested, adding another layer to the political storm.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Hemant Soren has appealed for dialogue, signalling that the government is looking to address the concerns raised by the protesting aspirants. A student protest leader, Devendra Nath Mahto, was also hospitalised after his health deteriorated during the agitation, according to reports.
The dispute has now become a major political confrontation in Jharkhand, with the BJP stepping up pressure on the state government while the job aspirants continue to demand transparency and a fair recruitment process. The coming days are likely to determine whether dialogue can ease the situation or whether the protests will intensify further.
