Central minister shown black flags in Ranchi

Central Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh was shown black flags in Ranchi Monday by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) workers to protest the booing of Chief Minister Hemant Soren during an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said.

The minister arrived in Ranchi Monday afternoon to participate in an official programme. Hundreds of JMM workers gathered at Birsa Munda roundabout with black flags and party flags. Singh was escorted by hundreds of BJP workers.

Heavy security arrangements were made which averted clashes between JMM and BJP workers.

"We will continue our protest until the prime minister regrets the hooting of the chief minister at his programme," JMM general secretary Vinod Pandey told reporters.

The JMM was protesting the booing of Soren during an event attended by Modi Aug 21 in Ranchi. BJP workers had shouted slogans supporting Modi when Soren was addressing the gathering.

After the incident, the JMM had announced that it will not allow entry of any central minister into the state. On Saturday BJP and JMM workers had clashed at Hinoo Chowk in Ranchi when another central Minister Narendra Singh Tomar was in Jharkhand to participate in an official programme.