The BJP has called a statewide bandh in Jharkhand on Tuesday, August 11, in protest against the police lathi-charge on JPSC-JSSC job aspirants during their ‘Vidhan Sabha gherao’ march in Ranchi on Monday. The bandh is being observed from 8 am to midnight and has affected schools, public transport and commercial activity in several parts of the state. In Ranchi, around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order.
Why Has BJP Called Jharkhand Bandh?
Jharkhand BJP president Aditya Sahu accused the Hemant Soren-led government of injustice towards job aspirants and condemned the police action during Monday’s protest. “It is because of the injustice and atrocities inflicted upon our children and students,” Sahu told ANI, alleging irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment examinations. JPSC and JSSC aspirants have been demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination, a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and reforms in the recruitment process.
Jharkhand Police used lathis and water cannons to disperse protesters during the march. BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi also criticised the police action and demanded a CBI inquiry into the allegations.
Jharkhand Bandh: What’s Closed And What’s Open?
Most prominent private schools in Ranchi, including DPS and DAV branches, are closed as a precautionary measure. In districts such as Jamshedpur, school managements are taking individual decisions based on local conditions.
Public transport, including buses, auto-rickshaws and private vehicles, has been disrupted in several areas. Major markets, shops and commercial establishments in urban centres have also remained closed amid the bandh.
Banks and government offices remain officially open, although operations may be affected by transport disruptions. Hospitals, pharmacies, ambulances, milk booths and water supplies are exempt from the shutdown and continue to function.
Trains are also running as scheduled, with additional security deployed at major railway stations to prevent protesters from blocking railway tracks.
Ranchi Security Arrangements
Police have stepped up security at major protest and traffic points in Ranchi, including:
• Albert Ekka Chowk
• Birsa Chowk
• Kantatoli Chowk
• Argora Chowk
• Booty More
Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said schools had been advised to prioritise children’s safety while deciding whether to remain open. He said several schools had chosen to remain closed due to the situation.
Hemant Soren Assures Students Of Dialogue
Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government respects the students’ right to express their concerns and assured that their demands would be addressed through dialogue. He also thanked administrative and police officials for handling Monday’s protest with “restraint, sensitivity, and a deep sense of responsibility.” The BJP, however, has maintained that the government must address the students’ allegations and has urged people to support the statewide bandh.
