BJP Demands Probe into Deaths During Jharkhand Recruitment

BJP calls for NHRC probe into deaths during Jharkhand excise constable recruitment. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma demands compensation and jobs for victims' families. BJP promises Rs 1 lakh each to families of candidates who died during physical tests.

The BJP has escalated its political pressure on the Hemant Soren government in Jharkhand, demanding an investigation by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) into the deaths of candidates during physical tests for the excise constable post. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, a prominent figure in the BJP, has voiced concerns over the deaths, alleging that excessive heat during the tests was a contributing factor. He claims that 15 candidates have lost their lives, a figure that contrasts with the Jharkhand Police's report of 12 deaths and the state Health Minister Banna Gupta's statement of four fatalities.

Sarma's call for an NHRC probe adds to the growing political tensions surrounding the recruitment drive. He has also demanded immediate compensation for the victims' families, proposing a payment of Rs 50 lakh and a job to each kin. He further stated that if the state government fails to fulfill these demands, the BJP would provide jobs to the families after coming to power. This statement serves as a clear attempt to gain political mileage from the situation, leveraging the tragedy to appeal to voters in the upcoming Jharkhand Assembly elections.

The BJP's stance on the issue is not limited to demands for investigations and compensation. Sarma announced that the party would provide Rs 1 lakh each to the families of the victims. This move can be seen as an attempt to present the BJP as a party that is more empathetic and responsive to the concerns of the people, contrasting their approach with that of the ruling government. The physical tests for the Jharkhand excise constable recruitment began on August 22 and are scheduled to continue until September 9. As of August 30, over 127,000 candidates have taken the tests, with approximately 78,000 clearing the physical requirements. The focus now shifts towards the NHRC's potential investigation and the political implications of the tragedy as the election season approaches in Jharkhand.

Source: BJP to urge NHRC to probe recruitment drive deaths in Jharkhand: Himanta