Debate Erupts in Jharkhand Assembly Over State University Bill

Ranchi, Aug 28 (PTI): The Jharkhand Assembly witnessed disruption during the Question Hour on Thursday, prompting Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato to adjourn proceedings amid protests by BJP members concerning the State University Bill and other issues.

As the House commenced at around 11 a.m., Congress legislature party leader Pradeep Yadav advocated for the Bharat Ratna to be awarded to former Chief Minister Shibu Soren. He also called for the installation of idols of Bhimrao Ambedkar, Sido-Kahnu, and Dishom Guru Shibu Soren in the assembly complex.

During Question Hour, BJP's Hatia MLA Naveen Jaiswal accused the state government of politicizing education through the passage of the Jharkhand State University Bill, 2025.

"The bill aims to seize the Governor's powers and prevent student elections," Jaiswal alleged. "Students are protesting in the streets. This issue concerns students and education."

Notably, the Jharkhand government passed the State University Bill in the assembly last Tuesday.

Jaiswal also demanded a CBI probe into the 'encounter' killing of Surya Hansda.

Responding to Jaiswal, Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar claimed that the opposition is spreading misunderstandings about student elections in universities. "The bill doesn't violate students' democratic rights," he asserted.

Following this, BJP MLAs advanced to the Well of the House, an action mirrored by members of the treasury bench. The speaker appealed to the members to return to their seats and allow Question Hour to proceed.

"Continual disruptions will erode the significance of Question Hour, for which members will bear responsibility," Mahato remarked. "I urge members to facilitate the functioning of Question Hour."

Despite the Speaker's appeals, members on both sides continued to create chaos in the House. Consequently, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings until 12 noon, merely 10 minutes after they had begun.

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