Ranchi, July 5: The BJP today came down heavily on Governor Syed Sibtey Razi, blaming him for the deteriorating law and order situation and the rise in corruption in the state.

Speaking at a news meet, BJP state president Raghubar Das dubbed the FIRs lodged against six former ministers, including former chief minister Madhu Koda, by the vigilance department as a “high drama” being played at the directive of the governor.

The news meet was held after the completion of the party’s two-day state executive committee meeting today. Over 80 senior leaders, including MLAs, MPs and former ministers, attended the meeting.

“The governor is trying to shield corrupt former ministers. It is because of him that none of the politicians has been arrested despite FIRs being filed against them and the vigilance court issuing non-bailable arrest warrants against Anosh Ekka and Harinarayan Rai,” Das said.

“This explains why a CBI probe was not initiated against the former ministers and the cases were handed over to the vigilance bureau. If our party comes to power after the Assembly elections, it will expose all the evil deeds of the governor, along with those of other former ministers,” he added.

Seeking immediate Assembly elections in the state, Das said that the governor had always misused his power to deprive the state of a popular government.

“The law and order situation worsened during the President’s rule. Razi is responsible for it,” Das said.

Meanwhile, contrary to expectations that the BJP state working committee might ask party MLAs to resign in order to protest against the President’s rule, Das said that no such decision had been taken.

“Party MLAs have not been asked to resign as such an action will be perceived as escapist behaviour. They have been asked to remain in the House and play an active role as the Opposition,” Das said.

Meanwhile, the executive committee today resolved to ask the Centre to grant special state status to Jharkhand, prepare a fresh list of beneficiaries under state and central government schemes and ensure 50 per cent reservation for women in panchayat and local bodies’ elections.

Other demands include immediate identification of intruders and their ouster from the state, declaration of Jharkhand a drought-affected state, immediate appointment of teachers, proper implementation of midday meal schemes and check on fee hike in private schools.

Besides, the party called for the establishment of National University of Law, Indian Institute of Management, Indian Institute of Technology, National Defence Academy and Technology Park to provide quality education to students of the state.