States » EastPosted at: Jul 1 2025 1:36AM


Bhognadih incident on Hul Diwas draws sharp exchange between BJP and JMM

Ranchi, June 30 (UNI) A clash between police and villagers in Bhognadih on the occasion of Hul Diwas has ignited a fierce political row in Jharkhand, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) trading sharp accusations over what the opposition termed a “barbaric lathi-charge” on tribal protestors.
Leader of Opposition and BJP State President Babulal Marandi strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “black day for democracy and tribal identity.”
In a press statement, Marandi said the police action—carried out during a symbolic event commemorating tribal heroes Sidho and Kanhu—was a reminder of colonial-era repression. “The use of force against tribals on the land of Hul is a disgrace,” he said.
“Six generations later, the descendants of Sidho-Kanhu are once again being forced to protest against injustice. This repressive act will mark the beginning of the end for the Hemant Soren government.”
Marandi claimed to have spoken directly to the Sahibganj Superintendent of Police and held the state administration responsible for “intentionally trying to suppress the rising assertion of tribal identity.” He alleged that the JMM government, “is in the lap of infiltrators,” and fears a politically conscious tribal society and seeks to weaken it through targeted suppression.
Countering these claims, JMM General Secretary and spokesperson Vinod Kumar Pandey accused the BJP of distorting facts and inciting unrest for political mileage. “The Hul Diwas event was held with dignity and peace. Unfortunately, a few miscreants attempted to create chaos. The administration acted with utmost restraint to prevent further escalation,” Pandey said in an official statement.
He rejected the BJP’s narrative, asserting that “law and order cannot be held hostage by a handful of elements. The state government is committed to protecting every citizen and will not tolerate attempts to disturb communal harmony.”
Pandey added, “BJP is trying to politicize a sacred occasion. Hul Diwas is a symbol of our cultural and historical pride—not a platform for disruptive politics. The JMM government has consistently upheld tribal identity, history, and rights. The allegations made by the opposition are baseless and reflect their frustration.”
As visuals of tear gas shells and police baton charges circulated on social media, political rhetoric on both sides has intensified. While BJP has announced state-wide protests and plans to raise the issue in the Assembly, the JMM insists it will stand firm against any form of incitement or lawlessness.
As Bhognadih, the birthplace of the 1855 tribal uprising, once again becomes a flashpoint, questions arise over the politicization of tribal symbols and history—and whether Hul Diwas can remain a space for collective memory without partisan overtones.
UNI XC RN
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