Congress-BJP clash in Ranchi over NEET row, hurl eggs and tomatoes

A political demonstration in Ranchi over the NEET paper leak controversy turned violent on Thursday when Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers clashed near the BJP state headquarters. Congress members had organized a march starting from Harmu Ground to gherao the opposition party's office, demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities and police action against protesting students in Delhi. However, security personnel halted the march by setting up heavy barricades prior to the headquarters.

Tensions escalated as BJP supporters stepped onto the streets to stage counter-protests against Rahul Gandhi and the state government. Both factions engaged in intense slogan-shouting before the confrontation degraded into stone-pelting, with workers hurling eggs, tomatoes, and water bottles across the police barriers. Security forces intervened and executed a mild lathi-charge to control the crowd after some demonstrators attempted to breach the barricades.

The clash resulted in minor injuries, including to a journalist covering the event, before police personnel managed to separate both political groups. Security forces were subsequently deployed in large numbers around the area to prevent further escalation. Authorities confirmed that additional forces were placed on high alert while investigations into the violent confrontation remain underway.