BJP Calls for Shutdown as Students Protest Recruitment Exam Irregularities in Jharkhand

After the police crackdown on students in Ranchi on Monday, the BJP has called for a shutdown across Jharkhand on Tuesday. The BJP alleged that the JMM government used water cannons, tear gas, and lathis on students protesting peacefully against malpractices in recruitment exams. Former chief minister and BJP leader Babulal Marandi called the entire episode a fight for students'rights and justice, while MP Nishikant Dubey's statement was limited to targeting the Congress and Rahul Gandhi. The entire matter is related to alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC exams. Students in Jharkhand have been agitating since July 25 demanding transparency in these exams, cancellation of some exams, and a probe monitored by the CBI or retired high court judges from outside the state. On Monday, thousands of students marched towards the assembly, breaking several barricades, leading to clashes between the police and students. The police used water cannons and tear gas near Jagannathpur temple. Several students were injured in the incident, while the BJP claimed that the Jharkhand police closed the protest at 8 am on Tuesday.