‘His health is priority’: Jharkhand Congress leader defends police stopping Mahto from

Jharkhand Congress leader Kumar Raja on Saturday defended the decision to stop student leader Devendra Nath Mahto from leaving Sadar Hospital in Ranchi to participate in a Tiranga Yatra, saying his health should take 'priority over political point-scoring'. A video grab shows police personnel.

(PTI)Raja accused the BJP of trying to politicise the issue and said the party was “playing politics over dead bodies”, news agency PTI reported. Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2, entered the 14th day of his protest on.

What Happened

He was admitted to Sadar Hospital after a Ranchi Vidhan Sabha Gherao march turned chaotic, with police using lathicharge, tear gas and water cannons against protesting students. Raja said talks between the government and the protesting students were underway and that officials.

• Student leader Ravinder Paswan said protesters would focus on celebrating Independence Day and would refrain from raising their demands with the government on the occasion.

• Soren also said the government had launched “Chhatron Ki Baat - Chhatron Ke Sath” to seek students’ suggestions on improving the education system.

• We have decided to bring changes in the system.

Key Details

Consider this individual: he has been on a hunger strike for 11-12 days, and talks with the government are ongoing. The government is sensitive to the situation; officials are visiting him regularly.

• For me, the youth of the state are very important to me and their faith in us.

• Meanwhile, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the state government was committed to ensuring transparency in examinations.

• Thousands of students have been protesting at the stadium over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission.

Why It Matters

If he were to step out in his current medical condition, he could face serious complications. For us, his health is a higher priority than scoring political points.

• Are we not even free to hoist the Tricolour and participate in the Tricolour March in our own country?

• After expressing my desire to participate in the flag hoisting and Tricolour March organised at the protest site, Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, a heavy police force has been deployed outside my room in the.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Hindustan Times as more details emerge