Chief Minister Soren Accuses BJP of Politicising Student Protest Amid Ongoing Exam Scandal

Jharkhand's chief minister, Hemant Soren, has launched a sharp rebuttal against the BJP's decision to declare a statewide shutdown in response to the police lathi charge on student demonstrators in Ranchi. Soren accused the ruling party of using the unrest to garner political mileage ahead of upcoming elections.

The BJP, through its state unit, justified the bandh as a show of solidarity with students demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into alleged misconduct in recent state recruitment examinations. While essential services remain operational, the party urged citizens to observe the shutdown from 8 a.m. to midnight.

Opposition leaders from the Congress have echoed Soren's criticism, labeling the bandh as “political drama” that diverts attention from the serious issue of police excesses. They called for a fair investigation into the injuries sustained by both students and four police officers during the assembly barricade clash.

Security measures have been intensified in Ranchi, with additional police deployment, CCTV installations and drone surveillance to prevent any law‑and‑order breach. Several private schools announced holidays, while a few government schools stayed closed in anticipation of unrest.

The protest, now in its 18th day, continues to focus on alleged exam irregularities and the demand for an impartial inquiry. The government has yet to announce a formal CBI order, keeping the student movement active despite the state‑wide shutdown.