Kathmandu— Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey criticized Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, accusing him of hypocrisy regarding recent protests in Jharkhand and challenging him to take concrete action. Dubey called on Gandhi to end what he described as a “duplicitous mindset” and withdraw support from the state government after police used force against student protesters in Ranchi demanding investigations into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. The criticism comes amid escalating demonstrations by aspirants for jobs with the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), who allege exam paper leaks and demand a CBI investigation.

Escalating Protests and Police Action

Student protesters in Jharkhand have been demanding a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in recruitment exams, specifically the JSSC-CGL examination. They are also calling for reforms to the state’s recruitment process and the cancellation of the recent JSSC-CGL exam. On Monday, police used lathis (batons) and water cannons to disperse crowds during a march on the state legislature building in Ranchi, prompting strong reactions from opposition parties.

BJP Accusations of Hypocrisy

Nishikant Dubey accused Rahul Gandhi of applying different standards to protests depending on whether they align with his political opposition to Prime Minister Modi. “Given the intensity of his opposition to Modi—and the fact that he consistently aligns with elements seeking to tear the country apart—there is a message for you: put an end to this duplicitous mindset, this double standard, and this divisive mentality,” Dubey stated. He challenged Gandhi to demonstrate genuine concern for students by withdrawing support from the Jharkhand government.

Calls for Accountability from Congress

Other BJP MPs echoed Dubey’s sentiments, demanding explanations from the Congress leadership regarding the police action. Pradip Kumar Varma said that the entire country expects an answer from Rahul Gandhi, adding, “He should come to the House and tell why his government in Jharkhand lathi-charged students barbarically.” Ajit Gopchade criticized Gandhi for portraying himself as a champion of youth rights while remaining silent on the situation in Jharkhand. The BJP has contrasted the response to these protests with Congress’ vocal support for student demonstrations that occurred in Delhi on July 20.

Statewide Shutdown and Demands

The BJP unit in Jharkhand observed a statewide bandh (shutdown) on Tuesday following Monday's police action. Protesters allege that their demands have not been fully addressed by the state government, fueling ongoing unrest. They are seeking cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities, and broader reforms to the recruitment process.

The situation in Jharkhand remains tense as protests continue and opposition parties demand accountability from the ruling Congress-JMM alliance. Further developments are expected as the state government responds to the demands of the protesting students.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.