BJP-JMM spar over student protests and police action

The BJP and JMM traded charges on Saturday over alleged police action against students during recent demonstrations, with BJP leaders accusing the Hemant Soren government of suppressing student voices, while the ruling JMM said the issue was being given a political colour despite the matter being before the High Court

The BJP and JMM traded charges on Saturday over alleged police action against students during recent demonstrations, with BJP leaders accusing the Hemant Soren government of suppressing student voices, while the ruling JMM said the issue was being given a political colour despite the matter being before the High Court.

In Giridih, LoP Babulal Marandi accused the government of suppressing students and alleged that several protesters were thrashed with sticks, with one student suffering serious injuries and being admitted to an ICU. He also alleged that JMM workers reached the protest site, leading to a confrontation.

“BJP stands with the students from the streets to the Assembly,” Marandi said, demanding action against those responsible for the alleged violence.

In Dhanbad, MLA Raj Sinha met the SSP and later questioned the use of force against students. “Why did the situation reach a stage where the police had to use hockey sticks and batons against students?” he asked. Sinha demanded a CBI investigation and said the police action reminded him of Emergency.

Former minister Amar Bauri also accused the government of trying to crush the students’ movement. “The entire system is trying to crush the students’ movement,” he said, alleging that students had been misled over issues related to JPSC and JSSC examinations.

The JMM, however, rejected the BJP’s allegations. Addressing a press conference at Dhanbad Circuit House, party district secretary Mannu Alam said the BJP was trying to give a political colour to students’ genuine concerns. He said the government had already taken steps on their demands and that the matter was currently before the High Court.

“Students’ problems cannot be solved through slogans and political platforms. The constitutional and judicial process should be allowed to take its course,” said JMM central media panelist Neelam Mishra.

Alam said the HC had given the government three weeks to present its stand and appealed to students to remain patient. He questioned why the BJP was politicising the issue instead of relying on the judicial process.

Former Dhanbad mayor Chandra Shekhar Agarwal also hit out at the BJP, asking it to account for its record on JPSC and JSSC exams during its 18 years in power. He alleged the BJP was trying to use students for political gains in association with coaching interests.

JMM leaders also challenged the BJP to clarify its stand on the MMDR Bill, saying issues concerning Jharkhand’s mineral resources and state rights should not be overshadowed by political allegations.

The BJP has demanded action over the alleged assault and a probe into the police response, while the JMM maintained that the government was committed to students and would present its case before the court. The administration’s response to the allegations was awaited.