Shimla:A controversy erupted over the meat of an endangered bird purportedly served at a dinner during the night halt programme of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Sukhu at a village in Shimla district. BJP leaders have begun a campaign on social media, finding fault with the chief minister on the issue of the alleged wild chicken meat serving during his programme.
Wild chicken is a protected species and killing it is prohibited. BJP alleged that not only was wild chicken included in the menu for CM's dinner, but it was also served. In fact, a menu card is also going viral on social media in which the word 'Jangli Murga' (Grey Junglefowl, protected wild chicken) is also written. BJP has raised allegations against the Chief Minister in this regard.
What is the matter?
The Congress government in the state started the 'Sarkar Janta Ke Dwar' program this year under which the Chief Minister, Ministers and officers themselves visit the villages, far-flung and inaccessible areas. As part of this, on Friday, CM Sukhu reached Kupvi, a remote area of Shimla district and stayed overnight in Tikri village here. Sukhwinder Sukhu is the first Chief Minister to stay overnight in this area.
Health Minister Dhaniram Shandil and several officials were also present along with local party leaders. Pictures of all of them warming themselves by the fire in the cold also surfaced. During this visit, the Chief Minister heard the problems of the villagers here.
BJP alleged that wild chicken was served in the dinner during the CM's overnight stay in Kupri area. As a proof, BJP leaders are referring to a purported video circulating on social media which has gone viral. The video showed CM Sukhu and Minister Dhaniram Shandil sitting to eat and during this, wild chicken was allegedly served. However, CM Sukhu, Cabinet Minister and others refused to eat it.
LoP's allegation
Himachal's former Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur posted this video on his X handle and said, "Those who were enjoying the 'Jan Manch' scheme of going door to door to solve people's problems are now celebrating picnics in villages and the public is watching what they are doing. Those who eat protected species of wild chicken are jailed and fined but the Chief Minister first prints a menu for feeding chicken and then feeds it to his ministers in front of him with great relish. Is this the systemic change?"
Dharamshala BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma also posted this video on his X handle and said, "Kukku Koon's system change. "Wild Life Act" does not apply in Jungle Raj."
Meanwhile, BJP leader Chetan Bragta has said that the Chief Minister should apologize. Chetan Bragta has released a video statement on X, saying "Serving a protected bird like wild chicken in a government program is a direct violation of wildlife protection laws. This is an insult to the traditions of Devbhoomi Himachal and our sensitivity towards the environment. Immediate action should be taken on this negligence of the Congress government."
Chetan Bragta said that wild chicken was kept in the menu during the CM's visit. It is clearly visible in the video that the Chief Minister is encouraging his ministers and officers to eat wild chicken, he said, saying that this is a violation of morality. Himachal is Devbhoomi and here wild animals, birds and animals are given respect, he asserted. "We demand that the Chief Minister should come in front of the media and apologize to the people of Devbhoomi Himachal. Also, BJP demands from the Chief Minister of Himachal that strict action should be taken against those who are involved in this incident," he said.
CM Sukhu's reaction
On his part, CM Sukhu himself has come forward on this entire controversy and said "For health reasons, I avoid both oily food and non-veg but when Jairam ji did not find any issue, he chose the path of defaming our villagers. Opposition leaders do not have any issue now, they just work to tarnish the image of the villagers. The villagers had cooked Desi Chicken but we do not eat it. Non-veg is an important part of the life of the hills. Jairam ji is giving a statement on this. Which shows that the opposition has no issue left."
What is in the video?
In the video of Chief Minister's dinner which is going viral, it is seen that CM Sukhu, Minister Dhaniram Shandil and others are eating food sitting on the ground. Meanwhile, a person brings something to serve. When the server says "This is a wild chicken", CM Sukhu says, "This is a wild chicken, give it to him, we don't want to eat it, friend, Colonel Sahab eats it (pointing towards Dhaniram Shandil). Dhaniram Shandil doesn't say anything and refuses. Then CM says "all are veg (asking)... Is there no non-veg?... Kimta ji must be non-veg."
What is Wild Life Protection Act?
The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 is related to the conservation of wild animals, birds and plants etc. in the country. Under which hunting of wild animals and birds is prohibited. Wild cock is also included in this list. This bird is found in many states of the country including Himachal Pradesh.
According to former Himachal IFS officer Dr. KS Tanwar, "Hunting of wild cock is prohibited. Under the Wildlife Protection Act, there is also a provision of punishment and fine for killing protected animals. The current matter has become political but the conservation of wildlife needs to be taken seriously. The Forest Department is with CM Sukhwinder Sukhu. Being the head of the department, he should appeal for the conservation of wild animals and work towards it."
Recently, the Sukhwinder Sukhu government of Himachal Pradesh is in the news every day for strange incidents. After the CID investigation of samosas and the toilet tax row, now there is another controversy over serving wild chicken meat. In the samosa incident, where the snacks intended for CM were allegedly wrongly served to the security staff, CM Sukhu said he does not eat samosas and that he eats simple food.
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