The alleged death of a woman and her newborn due to medical negligence at Jamtara district hospital triggered a protest by the BJP on Friday.
BJP workers led by Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi took out a rally from Jamtara Sadar Hospital to the Collectorate, raising slogans against the state government and district administration.
Addressing the gathering, party leaders criticised the government over issues including healthcare services, recruitment examinations, employment, education, road infrastructure, law and order, and alleged corruption.
The protest followed the deaths of Reena Devi and her newborn on July 17, allegedly due to lapses in treatment at the hospital.
Following the incident, angry residents vandalised parts of the hospital and staged a road blockade.
Based on a complaint filed by the hospital administration, an FIR was registered against eight persons, including BJP district President Sumit Sharan, district General Secretary Kamlesh Mandal, BJP Yuva Morcha district chief Kunal Singh, town president Pradeep Rawat, and several unidentified persons.
Calling the action "authoritarian", Marandi accused the state government of failing to address public grievances and prioritising its own interests over people's welfare.
He alleged that the healthcare system in Jharkhand is in poor condition and questioned the functioning of government ambulance services.
Marandi also alleged irregularities in the tendering process, claiming commissions were being taken and benefits extended to individuals close to the government.
He further accused the administration of ignoring illegal mining activities and irregularities in the sand, iron ore, and coal sectors.
According to him, despite Jharkhand's rich mineral resources, the state's residents were not receiving their due benefits.
Former MP Sunil Soren accused the administration of acting in a partisan manner and urged officials to function impartially.
Former minister Randhir Singh questioned the state of healthcare services and alleged that the district administration was working under pressure.
Former MLA Sita Soren, who had contested the Jamtara Assembly seat as a BJP candidate, termed the government's six-and-a-half-year tenure a failure and raised concerns over healthcare, employment, and education.
She also alleged that young people raising their demands were being targeted with criminal cases.
With Inputs From IANS
