Madhu Koda Leads Party Workers In Siege Of Bokaro DC Office
Key Points:
- BJP workers gherao Bokaro DC office over recruitment scandal
- Madhu Koda accuses Hemant government of selling jobs like vegetables
- Party threatens to intensify agitation if CBI probe not ordered
BOKARO – Political tensions over government job recruitment in Jharkhand escalated on Tuesday as BJP workers laid siege to the district collector’s office here, demanding a CBI investigation into the JPSC and JSSC CGL cases.
Former chief minister Madhu Koda led the demonstration, with party workers and leaders marching to the DC office premises while raising slogans against the state government.
The protesters carried party flags and pushed into the office compound, alleging serious irregularities in the recruitment process. BJP leaders said only a CBI probe could ensure a fair investigation into the matter.
Koda launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren-led government during the protest. He alleged that the system for government job recruitment in the state had come under a cloud, accusing authorities of treating jobs like commodities sold in a market.
He further claimed that people who had raised objections against the alleged irregularities were subjected to strict action in response.
BJP leaders questioned the credibility of an ongoing CID investigation into the cases, saying persons linked to the JPSC had faced repeated scrutiny over their political connections. The party said this made it necessary to hand the probe to the CBI for an impartial inquiry.
The party made clear that the confrontation with the state government would now be taken to its conclusion. BJP’s central demands remain a CBI investigation, action against those found guilty, and a warning that the agitation would intensify if the government fails to meet its demands.
The protest comes even as Jharkhand’s recruitment scandal has continued to widen in recent weeks. Officials had earlier confirmed the recruitment scam kingpin’s confession to the CID, detailing how general category CDPO seats were allegedly sold.
Meanwhile, the CID’s investigation has continued to expand its scope, with reports confirming that over 100 candidates have been questioned as part of the ongoing probe into exam irregularities.
Besides the CBI demand, opposition leaders have separately pressed for administrative accountability, with Babulal Marandi earlier seeking the removal of the JSSC chief from the state’s exam reform committee.
On the other hand, the state government has already taken some corrective steps, having recently cancelled the Intermediate Level Joint Exam 2023 amid the broader controversy.
In addition, protests over the recruitment issue have also spread to other districts, with a student leader in Pakur recently demanding transparency in the JPSC and JSSC processes.
The state government had not responded to the BJP’s fresh demand as of Tuesday evening.
