NEW DELHI: Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has found himself at the center of a controversy after ‘wild chicken,’ a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, was reportedly served at a dinner he attended in Shimla.
The issue surfaced after a purported video, shared by an animal welfare organization, revealed the presence of wild chicken on the dinner menu.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights activists and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with demands for an apology and action against those responsible.
The dinner took place during a public event in the remote Kufri area of Shimla. Along with wild chicken, the menu reportedly included bichu booti (a local herb) and maize and wheat bread.
While Sukhu did not consume the wild chicken, it was served to state health minister and other attendees, sparking outrage over the illegal hunting of a protected species.
Wild chicken, native to Himachal Pradesh and found at altitudes above 3,000 feet, is legally protected, and hunting it is a punishable offense.
The controversy has gained traction on social media, with calls for accountability from animal welfare groups and political leaders.
BJP state spokesperson Chetan Bharta demanded a public apology from the chief minister and called for strict action against those involved.
Former CM Jairam Thakur also condemned the incident, labeling it unacceptable and urging the government to act promptly.
“While the government claims to address people’s grievances through outreach programs like Jan Manch, they are now indulging in picnics. Consuming a protected species like wild chicken is punishable with jail time and fines. Yet, the chief minister’s office prints menus featuring the dish and serves it to ministers with relish,” said Jairam Thakur.
As of now, the government and administration have not released an official statement on the matter.
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