Jharkhand CM Accuses BJP of Misleading Students in Recruitment Protest

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of misleading students protesting alleged irregularities in state recruitment examinations, as the agitation entered its 18th day on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The protest, centered in Ranchi, has seen escalating tensions, including violent clashes with police who used baton charges, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators attempting to march to the state assembly.

The confrontation occurred on Monday, August 10, when thousands of job aspirants breached barricades during a march toward the Vidhan Sabha, where the monsoon session was underway. Police intervened to control the crowd, leading to injuries on both sides. Officials reported that 44 police officers were hurt in stone-pelting, while protesters alleged that numerous students, including women, were injured in the police action. In response to the unrest, the Jharkhand BJP called for a statewide bandh on Tuesday.

Chief Minister Soren appealed directly to the students on Monday, urging them not to fall into a "political trap." In a social media post, he stated, "I understand that amidst your peaceful movement, some people from the...