Kathmandu— Members of Parliament from both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and opposition parties engaged in counter-protests within Parliament on Tuesday amid ongoing demonstrations in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and subsequent police responses. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had met with protesting students from Jharkhand, while also calling for Union Home Minister Amit Shah to address the issue before the House.

Parliamentary Confrontation Intensifies

The protests within Parliament began as NDA MPs accused the opposition of avoiding debate. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra responded by stating that she had observed ruling party MPs protesting for the first time, framing it as a result of pressure from the opposition. She further urged Amit Shah to provide a statement regarding the situation in Jharkhand.

Jharkhand Protests and Police Action

Student protesters in Jharkhand demonstrated outside the state Assembly in Ranchi over concerns about recruitment exam irregularities. The situation escalated after clashes between protesters and police, resulting in authorities using force to disperse the crowd. Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat previously voiced support for the students, asserting their peaceful protest and condemning the police action as unacceptable.

Investigation Underway, Arrests Made

The protests have sparked a political debate, with opposition parties questioning the government's response to the grievances of the protesting aspirants. Authorities have responded by launching an investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations, leading to multiple arrests; Bhagat claimed that approximately 20 individuals had been arrested so far, and that the Enforcement Directorate was also involved in the matter. The arrest of a former JSSC chairman by state CID has also come to light.

The Jharkhand student agitation is expected to remain a key issue in Parliament as the opposition continues to seek accountability from the government and resolution for the protesters' concerns.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.