Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Jharkhand Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey declared the Jharkhand bandh called by the BJP on Tuesday a complete failure, stating that the people of Jharkhand have clearly understood the party’s true character and intentions, while accusing the BJP of attempting to steer the ongoing student protest toward violence and chaos.
Minister Says Students Have Constitutional Right to Protest
Tirkey said students have every right, under the Constitution, to voice their concerns and protest through democratic means, adding that the government believes in democratic values and dialogue. She said the administration and police had been instructed to act with restraint and sensitivity throughout the situation, and that they had exercised restraint and used minimal force during the events.
Minister Alleges Anti-Social Elements Infiltrated the Movement
The minister said media coverage and live broadcasts had revealed that certain anti-social and politically motivated elements had joined the crowd of protesting students in an attempt to incite violence and derail the movement, describing efforts to bring outsiders in to influence the protest as unfortunate and condemnable. Taking aim at the BJP, she said the party should focus seriously on addressing students’ concerns and futures rather than politicising the issue.
Tirkey Urges Students to Continue Protest Democratically
Tirkey appealed to the protesting students to remain firm on their demands while raising their voice through democratic means, and urged them not to become part of any political conspiracy. She reiterated that the government remains fully prepared for dialogue with students and is committed to resolving their concerns through positive discussion, asserting that dialogue remains the best path forward in a democracy and that the government would continue to pursue it.
