BJP to oppose Nagri RIMS-II Project ‘From Streets to Assembly’

Surendra Soren 

Ranchi

The proposed construction of the RIMS-II medical college and hospital in Nagri has triggered fresh political confrontation, with Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi announcing that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will oppose the project “from the streets to the Assembly” if the concerns of local villagers are not addressed.

A delegation of the Nagri Zameen Bachao Sangharsh Samiti met Marandi on Thursday, alleging that the state government was moving ahead with the project without adequately considering the interests of residents. The delegation briefed the BJP leader on the ground situation and sought political support for their ongoing agitation.

Addressing the media after the meeting, Marandi accused the Hemant Soren government of adopting an inflexible approach towards the proposed project. He said the BJP stands firmly with the affected villagers and would intensify its opposition if the government proceeds without resolving their grievances.

“If necessary, I will personally stand with the villagers during their movement,” Marandi said. He suggested that the government should identify barren or unused land for the RIMS-II project instead of acquiring land that villagers claim is crucial to their livelihood.

The BJP leader also questioned the government’s healthcare priorities, saying the focus should first be on improving the condition of existing hospitals across Jharkhand. He urged the state government to complete unfinished hospital buildings, strengthen district hospitals and improve medical facilities so that patients from remote areas do not have to travel to Ranchi for treatment.

Members of the Nagri Zameen Bachao Sangharsh Samiti said they have repeatedly raised their objections to the proposed land acquisition but alleged that their concerns have not received adequate attention from the administration. They said the movement requires broader public and political support to protect their land and livelihood.

The proposed RIMS-II project has become a contentious issue in Jharkhand, with the government highlighting its importance for expanding healthcare infrastructure, while protesting villagers continue to demand that the project be shifted to an alternative site.