Himanta Biswa Sarma slams Jharkhand government: Muharram rally allowed, Ram Navami denied

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 20 criticized the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) government accusing it of poor governance and mishandling of public and police issues. Sarma's comments come in the wake of a violent clash between regular police and contractual Sahayak Police in Ranchi on July 19, which resulted in at least 20 injuries.

Sarma, who also serves as the BJP's Jharkhand in-charge, condemned the state's handling of Ram Navami celebrations, alleging that the government is allowing Muharram rallies while denying permissions for Ram Navami. He described the situation as a sign of mismanagement and discrimination under the current administration.

Sarma, who visited injured police personnel at RIMS Hospital in Ranchi, expressed concern over the conditions faced by the police force. He noted that two IRB battalion personnel were among those injured and criticized the state government for failing to address their grievances, including delayed salaries, lack of mediclaim, and denied voting rights.

"In the incident that took place yesterday, some Assistant Police Personnel were lathi-charged and got injured," Sarma said. "The government must resolve these issues through discussion to avoid escalation. It is crucial for the government to address the concerns of the police personnel and provide them with their due rights and benefits."

Sarma urged the Jharkhand government to engage in meaningful dialogue with police personnel to prevent further unrest and ensure fair treatment. He expressed confidence in BJP's success in the upcoming Jharkhand elections, asserting that the state's current condition under the JMM government needs substantial improvement.

On July 19, tensions had flared when around 2,000 Sahayak Police, demanding regularization of their services, clashed with regular police. The altercation began when the Sahayak Police attempted to breach barricades near the Chief Minister's residence, leading to a violent confrontation.