Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has come under scrutiny for allegedly consuming jangli murga (red jungle fowl), a species protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, during a visit to Kupvi in Shimla district. The incident allegedly occurred after his participation in the “Pyari Behna Samman Yojana” program.
State BJP spokesperson Sanjay Sharma criticized the chief minister, stating, “The CM is starting new traditions every day, which are becoming a subject of ridicule. After the program honoring sisters, he was seen enjoying jangli murga and even encouraging his colleagues to do the same. Is this the kind of respect the Chief Minister shows towards sisters?”
Under the Wildlife Protection Act, hunting or consuming jangli murga is a serious offense. Violators can face imprisonment of up to three years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both. Sharma emphasized that an inquiry must be conducted into the matter, and the wildlife conservation department should take strict action if such a blatant violation occurred in the CM’s presence.
“The legal provisions are clear, and the officials concerned can also be held accountable for failing to uphold the law,” Sharma added.
He further criticized the chief minister’s contradictory stance on wildlife conservation. “On one hand, the CM is announcing new zoos and wildlife parks, while on the other, he is openly flouting wildlife laws. This incident is astonishing. Instead of upholding the law, the CM is seen enjoying the meat of a lifeless wild animal, setting a poor example for the state,” Sharma said.
Sharma also questioned the CM’s priorities, highlighting the struggles of the common people. “In a state where people are burdened with VAT and taxes and struggle to afford two meals a day, the leaders are feasting on protected wildlife. How can the people trust such leadership to protect their rights?”
The BJP has demanded immediate action and a thorough investigation into the alleged violation, urging the government to maintain accountability.
