Baboolal Marandi Criticizes Hemant Soren Government Amid Student Protests

Ranchi, August 22: In a dramatic turn of events in Jharkhand’s capital, Ranchi, student protests regarding the JPSC-JSSC examinations escalated into violent clashes. Students marched to burn an effigy of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, leading to intense confrontations with police. Several students were injured, prompting law enforcement to resort to baton charges.

Opposition leader Baboolal Marandi launched a fierce attack on the Hemant Soren government, accusing JMM workers of mistreating students during the effigy burning protest. He stated, “It is natural for the students to be enraged. They are protesting democratically, yet the JMM and the government show no shame. Their goons are using batons against the students. If the youth of Jharkhand take to the streets with sticks, the JMM will have no escape.”

Marandi emphasized that despite the students’ anger, they are exercising their constitutional right to protest. He urged the Chief Minister to fulfill his promises and transfer the matter to the CBI, as the students demand.

The unrest among students surged after the High Court imposed a stay on the government’s decision to cancel the JPSC-JSSC exams. In protest, students gathered at Albert Ekka Chowk to burn an effigy. They alleged that JMM workers attempted to seize the effigy and harassed female students.

Student leader Ravindra Paswan recounted, “We came to burn the effigy while chanting slogans. Suddenly, a JMM member tried to snatch it from us and even attempted to assault a girl carrying the effigy, tearing her clothes.”

Another protesting student claimed, “We were unaware that JMM goons had been sent. There were attempts to molest girls, and the police were trying to intervene.”

Following the incident, tensions escalated further. Student leaders Kunal and Ravindra were hospitalized due to deteriorating health. Clashes erupted again outside the hospital between students and police, leading to another baton charge.

Rupesh Kumar, the officer in charge of Lalpur police station, stated, “They wanted to advance beyond Jail Chowk but were stopped. In several locations, they started fires using flammable materials and petrol.”

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SC