BJP bandh disrupts Jharkhand over police action on student protesters

Normal life was disrupted across Jharkhand on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as the Bharatiya Janata Party enforced a statewide bandh to protest police action against job aspirants during a march to the state assembly the previous day. The shutdown, which began at 8 a.m. and was scheduled to continue until midnight, saw schools and businesses closed and traffic significantly reduced in Ranchi and other cities, with essential services excluded from its purview.

The bandh was called in response to the police's use of water cannons, tear gas, and batons on Monday, August 10, to disperse thousands of protesters marching toward the Jharkhand assembly. The demonstrators were demanding reforms in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission, the cancellation of certain exams, and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities. According to police, protesters breached several barricades and clashed with personnel, leading to the use of force. Ranchi police reported that 14 policemen were injured during the confrontation, while several protesters claimed they were injured.

BJP state president Aditya Sahu...