Culinary Controversy: Himachal CM Faces Backlash Over Red Jungle Fowl Incident
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Shimla, Dec 14 (NationPress) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu encountered fresh controversy on Saturday after a video appeared, allegedly depicting him being served a red jungle fowl, a bird safeguarded under the Wildlife Protection Act. This incident occurred at a dinner hosted by local villagers, in the company of his Cabinet colleagues and party leaders.
The main opposition party, the BJP, has criticized the Chief Minister, calling for an investigation into the matter.
They also revealed the menu from the event, which included red jungle fowl, also referred to as ‘jangli murga’, recognized as the ancestor of domestic poultry, as part of the offerings.
This bird is classified as a highly endangered species and is increasingly being supplanted by genetically-altered jungle fowl.
However, IANS was unable to confirm whether the red jungle fowl was indeed served to the Chief Minister. Reports indicated that he was heard encouraging others, including ministers and officials, to try it if they were non-vegetarians.
The Chief Minister firmly stated that he did not consume the red jungle fowl, asserting, “I didn't eat it, though they were offering it to me.”
The dinner took place in Tikkar, a remote village in Chopal, Shimla district, where he stayed following a public grievance redressal event on Friday.
In the video, the Chief Minister was recorded saying he “does not eat it.”
He suggested that the villagers serve it to his ministerial colleague Dhani Ram Shandil, who was sitting beside him, along with others. They were all seated on the floor, sharing a meal together.
In response to this situation, former Chief Minister and BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur commented on X, “Those who enjoyed the 'Jan Manch' initiative to address citizens' issues are now having picnics in villages, and the public is observing their actions.”
This latest culinary controversy follows closely behind the ‘samosa’ incident, where an inquiry was launched by the CID to locate the missing ‘samosas’ during an event attended by the Chief Minister.
BJP spokesperson Chetan Bragta noted that just days ago, the Chief Minister was in the Chaupal Assembly constituency where he was served red jungle fowl.
“The menu listing red jungle fowl was also published by the government; this is evidently illegal,” Bragta stated, given that the species is protected.
“The viral video on social media evidently shows the Chief Minister encouraging government officials and ministers to consume red jungle fowl,” Bragta added.
He further remarked, “This reflects a breach of ethics. Himachal Pradesh is known as Devbhoomi, where wild animals and birds are held in high regard, and this incident underscores the seriousness of the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh.”
Bragta insisted that the Chief Minister should apologize to the people of Devbhoomi for this occurrence and that stringent action should be taken against those involved in serving it.
“The samosa affair is still unresolved, and now the story of the red jungle fowl has come to light,” he concluded.
“Those who consume protected species face imprisonment and fines; however, the Chief Minister first arranges for a menu featuring chicken and then encourages his ministers to indulge in it before him,” added former Chief Minister Thakur.
