Ranchi: Tyres Burned, Shops Shut as BJP Intensifies Protest

Political tensions intensified both in Delhi and Jharkhand as the Opposition and ruling parties confronted each other over student-related issues. In the Parliament complex, NDA and Opposition MPs came face-to-face and exchanged slogans, creating a tense situation. Security personnel formed a human chain between the two groups to prevent the confrontation from escalating into a physical clash. Meanwhile, in Ranchi, the BJP observed a statewide Jharkhand Bandh to protest the previous day’s lathi-charge on students. BJP leaders demanded a probe into the incident, cancellation of alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC CGL examinations, a CBI investigation and reforms in the examination system. They also demanded Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s resignation. BJP workers reportedly blocked roads, burned tyres and urged shops to close, while police were deployed to control the situation. The Jharkhand government accused the BJP of politicising the student movement. The student agitation has entered its 18th day, with protesters maintaining that their remaining demands must be addressed despite the government claiming that most demands have already been accepted.