The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday announced a six-day statewide agitation from May 6 to 12 over what it described as a worsening drinking water shortage and persistent power cuts across Jharkhand, intensifying its attack on the government led by Hemant Soren.
BJP state president Aditya Sahu said the protests would be held in a phased, district-wise manner, with party workers taking to the streets carrying pots, buckets and other water containers to symbolically highlight the crisis.
According to the schedule, demonstrations will begin on May 6 in Garhwa, Palamu and Latehar, followed by Kolhan districts on May 7, North Chotanagpur on May 8, Santhal Pargana on May 9, coal belt districts on May 11, and will conclude in Ranchi and adjoining districts on May 12.
Sahu alleged that large parts of the state are facing acute water scarcity, claiming that more than 80,000 hand pumps are defunct and that official assurances to repair them within 72 hours have not been met. He also said residents in several areas are struggling for drinking water and electricity, accusing the government of failing to address basic civic needs.
The BJP leader questioned the implementation of the Centre’s tap water programme, stating that despite substantial financial support, many households continue to remain outside its coverage. He claimed that a significant portion of allocated funds remains unspent and that the scheme has not translated into effective supply on the ground.
“The situation is such that people are forced to fetch water from distant sources, while the government appears disconnected from ground realities,” Sahu said, adding that the agitation is aimed at “waking up a non-responsive administration.”
The BJP also linked the issue to what it described as administrative inefficiency, alleging gaps in both planning and execution of water supply projects. The party indicated that its workers would raise the issue across all districts to build pressure on the government.
The ruling dispensation has not yet issued a detailed response to the BJP’s announcement.
The planned agitation follows an earlier statewide protest by the BJP on April 17 over electricity-related issues, signalling a sustained opposition campaign centred on public service delivery.