The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jharkhand has finalised preparations for a statewide agitation starting September 8 to demand the withdrawal of cases filed by the police against students protesting against alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, including Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).

BJP leaders have been assigned responsibility for the protest, and prominent leaders will join the protests in their respective areas. State General Secretary Amar Kumar Bauri on Monday said that a four-day agitation, protests and the gherao of DC [Deputy Commissioner] and SP [Superintendent of Police] offices will be conducted at 24 district headquarters on a scheduled basis from September 8 to 11.

“Following the directives of State president Aditya Sahu, specific leaders have been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the movement in different districts,” Mr. Bauri said.

Schedule of leaders

As per the schedule prepared, State President Aditya Sahu will be in Ranchi on September 8, Seraikela on September 9, and Khunti on September 11. Similarly, Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi will be in Dumka on September 8, Pakur on September 9, Sahibganj on September 10, and Godda on September 11. Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das will be in Hazaribagh on September 8, Dhanbad on September 10, and Lohardaga on September 11.

Also, former Chief Minister Madhu Koda will be in Jamshedpur on September 8, Bokaro on September 9, and Ramgarh on September 11, whereas former national president of the ST Morcha, Samir Oraon, will be in Simdega on September 9, Gumla and Chaibasa on September 10, and Giridih on September 11.

Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth will be in Garhwa on September 8, and former State president Ravindra Rai will be in Chatra on September 10 and Jamtara on September 11. Former State president Deepak Prakash will be in Palamu on September 9 and Latehar on September 10, whereas Chief Whip Naveen Jaiswal will be in Koderma on September 9 and former Minister Neera Yadav will participate in a programme in Deoghar on September 11. Mr. Bauri added that district-wise coordinators have also been appointed for the programme.

State Government silent on withdrawal of cases

A BJP delegation recently issued an ultimatum to the state government, conveyed through the Chief Secretary, demanding the withdrawal of cases registered against students, but the State government remained silent on the matter. Following this, the BJP has decided on a statewide agitation.

Mr. Bauri informed that the agitation, starting on September 8, is scheduled to take place in Ranchi, Dumka, Hazaribagh, Giridih, Jamshedpur, and Garhwa districts on the first day; in Koderma, Sahibganj, Bokaro, Palamu, Simdega, and Chaibasa districts on September 9; in Seraikela, Pakur, Dhanbad, Gumla, Latehar, and Chatra districts on September 10; and in Ramgarh, Deoghar, Lohardaga, Khunti, Godda, and Jamtara districts on September 11.