Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan strongly criticized Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday by drawing a comparison between him and Ravan, the mythological demon king known for his ten heads, referencing the police’s confrontation during the Yuva Akrosh March organized by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Ranchi.
Throughout the march, the Jharkhand police resorted to the use of tear gas and water cannons to scatter the BJP’s youthful supporters who were demonstrating against the state administration at Morabadi Ground, leading to injuries among numerous BJP activists. The situation escalated when the demonstrators began to throw stones, causing injuries to the police personnel as well.
Before the march, Jharkhand police had enforced a prohibitory order, prohibiting any demonstrations and public gatherings near the venue from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“Efforts are being exerted to suppress the democratic movement. Barbed wire has been erected as though anticipating terrorists. Hemant ji, I must express to your administration that Ravan’s arrogance too met its end, and if you believe you can suppress the struggle for justice and rights, then that is a mistake,” stated Mr Chouhan, who additionally serves as the BJP’s electoral in-charge for Jharkhand, during a media interaction in Ranchi.
He also remarked, “It astonishes me. Having served as Chief Minister [of Madhya Pradesh] for four terms, I fail to grasp why Hemant Soren feels threatened? He has already propelled Jharkhand into a state of disorder, and the youth are out on the streets demanding justice. They query about his administration’s unfulfilled promise to provide ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 as unemployment assistance. How much longer will you supress them, people are now rallying to overthrow you. This deed signifies the final blow to the Hemant Soren administration, which is merely [going to last] for two more months.”
The police were compelled to intervene as thousands of BJP supporters advanced towards the CM’s residence, deploying water cannons and tear gas to manage the crowd. A confrontation ensued between the police and Yuva Morcha activists near Oxygen Park in the state capital, injuring BJP MLA C.P. Singh and the general secretary (organization) Karamveer Singh.
Condemning the state government’s measures against the BJP’s youthful supporters, party State president Babulal Marandi indicated that the youthful populace’s frustration signals the imminent downfall of the Soren administration.
Mr Marandi, who also participated in the Yuva Aakrosh Rally at Morabadi Ground, observed that the significant turnout and interception of the youth at various points highlight the widespread discontent with the current government.
Subsequently, the BJP leader called for a judicial review of the police’s actions via a post on the social media platform X.